India Bids Farewell to Ratan Tata: A Legend of Integrity and Global Impact
More than 100,000 people gathered at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) to pay their last respects to Ratan Naval Tata, a towering figure in Indian business who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. The atmosphere was solemn, with admirers and dignitaries lining up for a final glimpse of Tata’s mortal remains.
Tata, known for transforming a disparate group of companies into a global conglomerate, left behind a legacy of integrity and innovation. As mourners gathered, the usually vibrant city fell silent, broken only by the sound of waves and soft murmurs of admiration.
The crowd, consisting mostly of ordinary people rather than the wealthy elite, reflected Tata’s widespread appeal. Many waited in line for nearly 40 minutes, eager to honor the Padma Vibhushan awardee. Two long queues snaked from Murli Deora Chowk to the open-air plaza at NCPA, where Tata lay in state, covered in white cloth inside a glass casket.
The poignant atmosphere was heightened by the sound of Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye, a song Mahatma Gandhi had adopted, playing softly in the background. Employees from various Tata entities, dressed in uniforms, assisted in managing the queues and offered refreshments.
Tata’s stepmother, Simone Tata, attended the funeral in a wheelchair, while key figures like Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, and Tata’s protégé, Shantanu Naidu, greeted guests. One attendee, Jyotsna, a TCS employee, expressed her admiration, stating, “He is and will remain my idol. He embodied humanity.”
A diverse array of dignitaries also paid their respects, including Kumar Mangalam Birla, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, and Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde. Mukesh Ambani and his family arrived shortly before Tata’s body was to be taken for cremation, sharing their tributes.
Tata’s impact on both the Tata Group and the broader Indian landscape is profound, as he inspired loyalty and respect across generations. His passing marks a significant loss not only for the Tata Group but for the entire nation.
