Mumbai: Mumbai’s bustling economic hub paid a heartfelt farewell to the esteemed industrialist Ratan Tata on Wednesday evening. Thousands of citizens and dignitaries gathered to honour the legacy of the 86-year-old Padma Vibhushan awardee, whose funeral was conducted with full state honours at a crematorium in central Mumbai.
Ratan Tata, a towering figure in Indian industry, succumbed to illness late Wednesday night at a local hospital. His cremation on 10 October was marked by a somber yet dignified procession, reflecting his significant contributions to the Tata Group and the nation’s industrial landscape.
The Mumbai Police extended their respects by organising a guard of honour and facilitating a solemn tribute to the departed leader. A religious guide at the crematorium noted that the rites were performed according to Zoroastrian (Parsi) traditions, known as “Dakhma” or the Tower of Silence, where the body is exposed to the elements and scavenging birds to complete the final rites.
Interestingly, Ratan Tata’s final rites deviated slightly from traditional Parsi customs. While most of the ceremonies adhered to the Dakhma process, his body was ultimately cremated through traditional fire rituals, raising questions and sparking discussions among the community. This deviation was attributed to the declining number of vultures essential for the traditional rites, leading to the adoption of alternative methods within the Parsi community.
Ratan Tata’s influence extended beyond business into philanthropy and sports. His support for cricket was well-known, with the Tata Group being a long-standing sponsor of various tournaments. Notably, in 2024, the Tata Group made headlines by securing a record sponsorship deal with the Indian Premier League (IPL), investing ₹2,500 crore over four years, the largest in IPL history. This partnership not only underscored Tata’s commitment to sports but also reinforced the strong ties between the Tata Group and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The cricketing fraternity expressed deep sorrow at his demise. Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah all extended their condolences, highlighting Tata’s inspirational leadership and enduring legacy. Sachin Tendulkar remarked on social media, “Ratan Tata inspired millions through his life and work. His legacy will live on through the institutions he built and the values he upheld.” Virat Kohli also shared his grief on Instagram, posting a photo of Tata with the message, “You will always be remembered, sir.”
Ratan Tata’s passing marks the end of an era for the Tata Group and the broader Indian business community. His visionary leadership and philanthropic efforts have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to uphold his values of integrity, excellence, and social responsibility.
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