Ratan Tata death news: ‘Strong believer in ethics’: Reactions pour in as world mourns titan’s demise

Ratan Tata Passes Away: People from all walks of life on Wednesday mourned the demise of national icon Ratan Tata.

Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away at a Mumbai hospital. He was 86. For the past few days, he was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital.

Ratan Tata Death News Live Updates

Sanjiv Puri, CII President

"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Ratan Tata, a legend in the Indian industry. His unwavering pursuit of excellence, a profound commitment to social development and a pioneering spirit that revolutionised the Indian corporate landscape, elevated Indian industry to the global stage... He stood as a tall mentor and a guide for all of us in Indian industry, and inspired us to reach for the best..."

Kapil Dev, Former Cricketer

“Such a great man, when someone like that passes away, naturally we feel bad but the legacy he has left behind...I have no words...everybody has to leave this world but people will be known for their work...we will never find a better person than him”

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President

“Ratan Tata was a born industrialist and philanthropist and he used to do the right thing. He never tried to do any kind of fraud in the industry or earn money by any other means. He always says that the country comes first. I met him many times when I was the Industry Minister. When the Prime Minister of Japan was here, I got the opportunity to meet him...I pay tribute to him from my heart...”

Neeraj Chopra, Olympian and javelin thrower

"I met him in March, he was not doing well, but when I heard the news yesterday, I felt great sorrow. He will always remain in our hearts and we have to follow all that we have learnt from him. I will pray to god to give peace to his soul... He was very passionate about sports and was associated with many sports federations also..."

Director Madhur Bhandarkar

"His contribution in all sectors has been great. He has inspired many people along the way. India will always be grateful for his contribution. He was a very down-to-earth person... Every Indian has heard the name 'Tata' since childhood... He supported so many new startups and the young generation... He should definitely be awarded with the Bharat Ratna."

Minoo Mody, former chief executive of Tata Sons

"It is a loss...He has provided for succession like how Tatas always do. He was always sympathetic and helpful towards people."

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice-Chairman of Bharti Enterprises

"...He was a very good corporate citizen who not only put his heart and mind into businesses but equally into philanthropic initiatives. And to my mind, if I say that the humility which he had was something to learn from him. I had the opportunity of meeting him a couple of times and every time it was a great humbling and learning experience for me...I think the nation must celebrate his life and see how good corporate governance..."

Extraordinary human being: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to Ratan Tata and said, “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.” Read More

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge

"In the passing away of Shri Ratan Naval Tata, we have lost an invaluable son of India. A philanthropist par excellence whose commitment to India’s inclusive growth and development remained paramount, Shri Tata was synonymous with unequivocal integrity and ethical leadership. He was an inspiration and an icon for millions of people and richly contributed to nation building. Our condolences to his loved ones and admirers."

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi

“Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

“Saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Sons. The former Chairman of Tata Group had been a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist. His demise will be an irreparable loss for Indian business world and society. My condolences to all his family members and colleagues.”

Union Minister Amit Shah

“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.”

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin

“Deeply saddened by the passing away of Thiru. #RatanTata, a true titan of Indian industry and a beacon of humility and compassion. His visionary leadership not only shaped the Tata Group but also set a global benchmark for ethical business practices. His relentless dedication to nation-building, innovation, and philanthropy has left an indelible mark on millions of lives. India has lost a giant, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the entire Tata Group in this profound moment of loss.”

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Ratan Tata Ji, an industry legend and a true national icon. His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to ethics and immense contributions to India's growth will inspire generations to come.”

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde

"Ratanji Tata had a unique and ideal combination of ethics and entrepreneurship. Ratanji Tata was a living legend who successfully led the Tata Group with a tradition of excellence and integrity spanning nearly 150 years. The decisiveness and mental toughness he displayed time after time took the Tata Group to different industrial heights. I pay my respects to them. The last rites of late Ratanji Tata will be performed with full state honours."

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj

“There are very few people about whom it is said that they are people of principles. Anyone can earn money but Ratan Tata was such a name who earned respect,” he said.

Cornell University

“Ratan Tata ’59, B.Arch. ’62, the university’s most generous international donor and one of India's most respected business leaders and philanthropists, passed Oct. 9. We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell.”

Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

“Ratan Tata was not only an industrialist. The name 'Tata' has been ruling our minds and lives since several years. Tata means truth, Tata means authenticity, Tata means patriotism. The nation never weeps when any industrialist dies, however, there is a kind of sorrow in every household across the country after the demise of Ratan Tata.”

Sudha Murty

"... In my life, I met him (Ratan Tata), a man of integrity, and simplicity, always caring for others and compassionate... I really miss him... I don't think in my experience I met anyone like him. May I only pray, may his soul rest in peace. he was a legend, there was an era, but this is the end of an era for me... He was a person of integrity, integrity was so important. He was like that. He had enormous patience. He was a simple man... I learn philanthropy in the House of Tatas only. It's my personal loss... I feel now vacuumed in my personal life..."

Shaktikanta Das

"There are two things that stand out about Shri Ratan Tata. First, he was a true visionary. Second, he was a strong believer in ethics in corporate governance. I think whenever the economic history of modern India is written, I would feel that a full volume will not be enough to describe his achievements...A great son of India and a phenomenal person. May his soul rest in peace."

P Chidambaran

“I remember Shri Ratan Tata with pride and affection. May his soul rest in peace.”