Ratan Tata Cremated with Full State Honour Amid Tributes from Leaders and Dignitaries

Hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Ratan Tata, a revered business leader in India, who passed away at 86. His last rites were held at Mumbai's Worli Crematorium with full state honours. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony. Tata's body was taken from his home to the NCPA for public respects before the cremation.

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The ceremony saw participation from family, friends, and Tata Group officials. Mumbai Police honoured him with a gun salute. Ratan Tata, who transformed Tata Group into India's largest conglomerate, died at Breach Candy Hospital on October 9 at 11:30 pm. His passing prompted Maharashtra and several states to declare a day of mourning, cancelling some official events in his honour.

Ratan Tata's Legacy and Global Impact

Ratan Tata led the Tata Group for over two decades, expanding it globally with significant acquisitions like Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tetley. Under his leadership, the group's revenue grew substantially, reaching USD 165 billion in 2023-24. Known for his philanthropy and modest lifestyle, Tata was also a licensed pilot who occasionally flew company planes.

Despite being hospitalised for age-related issues since Monday, the group initially stated there was no cause for concern. However, his death was confirmed late Wednesday without specifying the cause. Tributes poured in globally, highlighting his influence across generations and borders.

Funeral Traditions and Changing Practices

Tata's cremation reflected evolving practices within the Parsi community due to declining vulture populations. Traditionally, Zoroastrians lay their dead at the Tower of Silence for vultures to consume. The Prayer Hall at Worli Crematorium now serves those opting for cremation instead. This shift was also seen in the funeral of Cyrus Mistry, another prominent Parsi figure.

Prominent figures like Mukesh Ambani led India Inc in paying respects. Ambani arrived with his family at NCPA to honour Tata. Other notable attendees included RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Deepak Parekh, Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Raj Thackeray.

State Honours and Public Mourning

The funeral adhered to Parsi traditions as confirmed by a priest present at the crematorium. Following the rites, three days of rituals will be conducted at Tata's Colaba residence. The event underscored his stature as a respected leader whose contributions spanned business and philanthropy.

Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and senior officials were present throughout the day. While TCS held its scheduled meeting to approve quarterly results, it cancelled a post-earnings press conference out of respect for Tata's passing.

The impact of Ratan Tata's leadership on India's business landscape is profound. His strategic vision and commitment to social causes have left an indelible mark on both industry and society. As tributes continue to flow in from around the world, his legacy as a transformative leader endures.