Tributes pour in for industrialist Ratan Tata; PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and others pay their respects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first public figures to respond to the news of the business titan's death, writing in his tweet: 'Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.'

After news of Ratan Tata's death broke, tributes poured in from business and political leaders in condolence messages posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first public figures to respond to the news of the business titan's death, writing, "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 also posted a pictures of himself with Ratan Tata in remembrance, writing "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."

In another post, he mentioned, "My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM."

In an official Rashtrapati Bhavan tweet, President Droupadi Murmu said that Tata, the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, had "blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics." She further hailed his leadership that "took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his condolonce message, hailed him for "his monumental contributions to our economy, trade and industry."

Congress MP and LoP, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his regret, calling Tata a "man with a vision."

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote: "In the passing away of Shri Ratan Naval Tata, we have lost an invaluable son of India..."

One-time nemesis over the Tata Nano Singur controversy, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called his death "an irreparable loss for Indian business world and society." She added, "My condolences to all his family members and colleagues."

Several other prominent industrialists and sportspersons also posted messages after billionaire Harsh Goenka confirmed Tata's death. They included, Gautam Adani, Anand Mahindra and cricketer Virender Sehwag.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran had, in a statement earlier, confirmed the death of Tata, and described him as his "friend, mentor and guide".

Ratan Tata is survived by his family members comprising brothers sisters, including Simone Tata, Jimmy Tata, Noel Tata, Aloo Tata, Shireen Jejeebhoy, Deanne Jejeebhoy, Leah Tata, Maya Tata, Neville Tata, Manasi Tata, Jamset Tata, Tiana Tata and others.

Siddharth Sharma, the CEO of Tata Trusts, in his obituary statement, said, "It is with deep sadness and with a heavy heart that we inform you of the demise of our beloved Chairman, Ratan N Tata, a legend of our times who passed away on October 2024. While we will miss his physical presence, he will always live in our hearts & minds. We rededicate ourselves to carrying forward his legacy & that of the Founders, which is rooted in India's civilisational values and strives for the welfare of all."

Several NDA leaders, from Amit Shah, J P Nadda, Nitin Gadkari Om Birla to NCP chief Ajit Pawar, also paid their respects to the business tycoon who led one of India's oldest business houses for decades.

Tata became chairman of the autos to steel conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012.Tata became chairman of the autos to steel conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012.