Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday that Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, will receive a state funeral following his death at the age of 86 on Wednesday night.
Tata had been hospitalized at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital for a prolonged illness in recent days.
In a post on X, the chief minister described Ratan Tata as a remarkable blend of ethics and business acumen. “Ratanji Tata was a living legend who led the Tata Group with a tradition of excellence and integrity for nearly 150 years. His decisiveness and mental strength elevated the Tata Group to new industrial heights. I pay my respects to him,” Shinde stated.
During a press conference, Chief Minister Shinde informed reporters that Ratan Tata’s family indicated that his body would be available for public viewing at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday.
Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar announced that all state government events scheduled for Thursday have been canceled.
In a statement regarding Tata’s passing, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed profound sorrow, noting, “We bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a remarkable leader whose invaluable contributions have influenced not just the Tata Group but the very essence of our nation.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling Ratan Tata a visionary leader and a compassionate individual. “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a kind-hearted soul, and an exceptional human being. He provided steady leadership to one of India’s oldest and most esteemed business houses, while also making significant contributions outside the corporate world. His humility, kindness, and dedication to improving society endeared him to many,” PM Modi remarked.
