'Visionary business leader, extraordinary human': Heartfelt tributes pour in for Ratan Tata

Shortly after Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata passed away at a Mumbai hospital late on Wednesday night, Indian personalities, including mostly politicians and industrialists, paid rich tributes to the noted industrialist.

Leading the tributes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Ratan Tata as a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being.

Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2024

“Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” PM Modi posted on X.

“One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few,” said PM Modi in another post.

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Describing him as an icon, President Droupadi Murmu said that India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics.

In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 9, 2024

“In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe,” she posted on X.

Expressing his sadness over Tata’s demise, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recalled that every time he met the industrialist, his zeal and commitment for the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed him.

Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji.
He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment… pic.twitter.com/TJOp8skXCo

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 9, 2024

“Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary industrialist and true nationalist, Shri Ratan Tata Ji. He selflessly dedicated his life to the development of our nation. Every time I met him, his zeal and commitment to the betterment of Bharat and its people amazed me. His commitment to the welfare of our country and its people led to the blooming of millions of dreams. Time cannot take away Ratan Tata Ji from his beloved nation. He will live on in our hearts. My condolences to Tata Group and his countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” Shah wrote on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “He was a Titan of the Indian industry known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade and industry. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata. He was a Titan of the Indian industry known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade and industry. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 9, 2024

Several industry leaders such as Harsh Goenka, Anand Mahindra, Gautam Adani and Uday Kotak also took to X to express the loss of one of India’s most beloved leader and businessmen.

“India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India’s path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti,” posted Adani on X.

India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mANuvwX8wV

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 9, 2024

Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, said he was unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.

I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata.

India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward.
And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.

Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.… pic.twitter.com/ujJC2ehTTs

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 9, 2024

Taking to X, he wrote, “India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable. With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die… Om Shanti.”

Expressing sadness over Ratan Tata’s death, Goenka posted on X, “The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P.”

The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/foYsathgmt

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) October 9, 2024

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said his last meeting with Ratan Tata was at Google.

My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply…

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) October 9, 2024

“My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji,” wrote Pichai on X.

With inputs from agencies