End of an Era: Ratan Tata Cremated with Full State Honours in Mumbai

Mumbai, October 10, 2024 — Ratan Tata, one of India’s most revered industrialists and philanthropists, was cremated with full state honours on Thursday evening at a central Mumbai crematorium, marking the end of an extraordinary era.

Tata, 86, passed away late Wednesday night after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of business acumen, humanitarian efforts, and an enduring impact on India’s industrial landscape. His final rites were performed at the crematorium in Worli, Mumbai, with family members, close associates, and notable figures from various fields paying their respects.

The Mumbai police gave the business titan a gun salute, befitting his immense contributions to the nation. Among those present were his half-brother Noel Tata, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran, and other top Tata Group executives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Cabinet Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, and Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde were also in attendance, reflecting the respect Tata commanded across political lines.

The final rites were conducted as per the Parsi tradition. A priest present at the crematorium shared that after the funeral, three more days of rituals would be held at Tata’s residence in Colaba, South Mumbai, to honour the late industrialist’s legacy.

Tata, a Padma Vibhushan recipient, was known for transforming Tata Sons into a global conglomerate and for his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and deep sense of social responsibility. His passing has left a deep void in India’s corporate and philanthropic sectors.