Mumbai, October 2024.

The final rites of Ratan Tata, the legendary industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, were performed with full state honors on Thursday evening. Tata, 86, breathed his last on Wednesday night at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. Among those who paid respects to the business tycoon are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani.

In 2008, Tata received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in India, after receiving the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in 2000. He joined Tata in 1961, where he worked on the shop floor of Tata Steel. He later succeeded J R D Tata as chairman of Tata Sons upon the latter’s retirement in 1991. Under his tenure, the Tata Groupacquired Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, in an attempt to turn Tata from a largely India-centric group into a global business.

As we mourn the loss of Mr. Ratan Tata, an iconic business leader who significantly shaped Indian industry and impacted many lives, please find below a heartfelt tribute from Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, reflecting on his legacy:

“As a global corporate luminary, Mr. Ratan Tata will forever be remembered for his transformative contribution towards modernization of Indian business landscape and deep compassion towards betterment of the society. His profound contribution and revolutionary thinking has inspired the automobile industry in India to think beyond conventional boundaries. Mr. Ratan Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide generations, reminding us that true leadership is defined not only by business acumen but by a selfless dedication to serve the betterment of humanity.”