New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron has condoled the demise of iconic industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, who breathed his last at a Mumbai hospital on October 9.

In a social media post, shared by the French Embassy in India, Macron stated: “France has lost a dear friend from India. Ratan Tata’s visionary helmsmanship contributed to boosting industries in India and France, in the fields of innovation and manufacturing. Beyond this, his legacy will be marked by his humanist vision, immense philanthropic achievements and his humility.”

“I convey my deepest condolences to his near and dear ones as well as to the people of India. We will remember your lifelong commitment to the betterment of society with admiration and respect,” he said.

Battling with age-related health issues at the Breach Candy Hospital since Monday, Ratan Tata (86) breathed his last shortly before midnight on Wednesday, plunging the world of industry and corporates into gloom.

His mortal remains were taken to the NCPA Lawns on Thursday morning to enable the people to pay their last respects before the funeral at the Worli Crematorium in Mumbai in the evening.

On Thursday afternoon, Ratan Tata’s glass-topped coffin draped in the Tricolour was mounted in a closed flower-bedecked van which sped off to the Prayer Hall and Crematorium at Worli, some 12 km away.

His head, covered in a typical red Parsi prayer cap and body in traditional community attire, was visible from the coffin at the NCPA Lawns and the Prayer Hall in Worli, as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi religious men chanted prayers and reverently stood beside him.

Hundreds of vehicles carrying the police, security, political and other VVIPs plus hordes of media persons zoomed along the Mumbai Coastal Road, even as normal traffic movement was halted for some time.

En-route, on both sides, there were many thousands of Mumbaikars, many with moist eyes, raising their hands in a symbolic ‘Goodbye, Tata’, some carrying small posters or placards with his photos as the motorcade zipped away.

Before Worli, there were many more thousands of locals who had trooped out on the roads and stood on both sides, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary tycoon who had touched the lives of many millions during his lifetime through his industries, social, educational, health and philanthropic activities.

At some squares and thoroughfares, there were large hoardings with photos of Tata and tributes by the common folk expressing their sentiments and gratitude to their iconic hero.

At the Worli Crematorium’s prayer hall, barely 200 VVIPs and close family members were permitted to offer wreaths and flowers to Ratan Tata’s remains kept there for some time.

Later, it was taken to the cremation spot by a police team. A police band played the Last Post, accorded him a gun salute, and removed and folded the Tricolour, which was handed over to a relative.

The social media was flooded with similar big and small gestures of Tata that left an everlasting impression on thousands of people from all over the world, directly or indirectly, his love for dogs and a full-fledged animal care hospital at a cost of Rs 165 crore in Mahalaxmi for 200 ‘patients’, that was inaugurated in July 2024, and other touching experiences.

Shares of Tata Group companies rose on Thursday, with Tata Chemicals and Tata Teleservices emerging as top performers, rising up to 10 per cent. Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who played a pivotal role in transforming the group into a global conglomerate passed away late on Wednesday at the age of 86.
“Investors can pay tribute to Ratan Tata and the great corporate empire he built by buying stocks like TCS, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consumer and Indian Hotels.Ratan Tata, while pursuing the group’s growth, contributed substantially to India’s growth and millions of ordinary investors gained from the great man’s vision,” PTI quoted V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services saying.
On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Tata Investment Corporation’s stock surged 10.47 per cent to Rs 7,235.80, Tata Chemicals rose 6.26 per cent to Rs 1,174.85, Tata Teleservices Maharashtra climbed 5.84 per cent to Rs 83.77, Tata Elxsi gained 3.37 per cent to Rs 7,867.80, and Tata Power increased by 2.56 per cent to Rs 472.70.
Also Read | Who is Noel Tata? Meet Ratan Tata’s half-brother, who could be successor at Tata Trusts
Additionally, shares of Tata Technologies, Rallis India, Nelco, Tejas Networks, TajGVK Hotels & Resorts, and Indian Hotels & Company also experienced gains.
However, not all Tata Group companies saw positive movement. Trent, the group’s retail firm, slipped 0.90 per cent to Rs 8,146.35, Titan fell 0.81 per cent to Rs 3,465.80, and Tata Motors declined by 0.40 per cent to Rs 935.35 per share.
Despite these few exceptions, the overall sentiment remained bullish.
Vijayakumar emphasized that investors should take a cue from the growth of the Tata empire and understand the importance of a long-term investment horizon to truly benefit from the wealth creation opportunities presented by the capital market. He noted that even in a bull market, valuation concerns may persist.
Also Read | When Narayana Murthy touched Ratan Tata’s feet
In light of Ratan Tata’s demise, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has cancelled its scheduled press conference on Thursday evening, which was intended to announce the company’s second quarter performance.
However, TCS will still inform the exchanges about its July-September performance after the board meeting, as originally planned. The call with analysts at 7 pm will also proceed as scheduled.
The last rites of Ratan Tata are set to take place after 4 pm on Thursday at Worli in central Mumbai.

The Tata family, a powerful name in the global corporate sector, has long been symbolized with more than just industrial success. Beyond its corporate achievements, the Tata family is significantly rooted in philanthropic principles, creativity, and a strong dedication to societal improvement. With the tragic passing of Ratan Tata, the beloved industrialist, it is important to look deeper into the rich history and legacy of the Tata family, a name synonymous with trust, leadership, and commitment to India’s progress.

It all started with Jamsetji Tata

Jamsetji Tata was the founder of the Tata Group. He was more than a businessman; he was a visionary with a commitment to India’s prosperity. Born in 1839 in Navsari, Gujarat, Jamsetji envisioned industries that would not only fuel economic growth but also be beneficial for the welfare of the Indian people. His pioneering ventures in textiles, steel, and hydroelectric power laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest conglomerates.

Hirabai Daboo Tata

Hirabai Daboo was Jamsetji Tata‘s wife and companion on his journey to establish the Tata dynasty. Together, they created a family that would eventually bear the mantle of leadership for generations. Her sons, Sir Dorabji Tata and Ratanji Tata, played vital parts in establishing the Tata Group’s future.

Sir Dorabji Tata

Sir Dorabji Tata, the elder son of Jamsetji, played his role in realizing his father’s dreams. Born in 1859, Dorabji not only expanded the Tata Group’s business ventures but also made extraordinary contributions to Indian sports and philanthropy. He was instrumental in setting up Tata Steel and investing in the Indian team’s participation in the Olympics, showcasing his diverse interests.
Under his leadership, the Tata Group ventured into industries like steel, electricity, and power, solidifying the group’s presence across sectors.

Meherbai Bhabha Tata

Meherbai Bhabha, Dorabji Tata’s wife, was a supporter of women’s education and social reform. She was an intelligent and kind woman who pushed for women’s education and opposed social problems such as child marriage. Her marriage to Dorabji in 1898 resulted in a life of travel and exploration, but her heart was always dedicated to societal improvement. Meherbai’s early death in 1931 left a legacy of empowerment, particularly among Indian women.

Sir Ratan Tata

Sir Ratan Tata, born in 1871, was the younger son of Jamsetji and carried forward the family’s tradition of philanthropy. Known for his deep concern for the underprivileged, Ratan Tata’s contributions ranged from supporting Mahatma Gandhi’s anti-apartheid movement to funding India’s first archaeological excavation. His immense wealth, much of which he donated, led to the establishment of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, a premier philanthropic institution that continues to uplift society.
His love for the arts and commitment to research saw him contribute to the development of Mumbai’s Prince of Wales Museum and establish a chair for poverty research at the London School of Economics. Sir Ratan Tata’s legacy is deeply intertwined with India’s progress, particularly in the fields of education and social welfare.

Navajbai Ratan Tata

Navajbai Sett, Sir Ratan Tata’s wife, was a pioneer in her own right. Following her husband’s death, she took over the reins of the Ratan Tata Trust and became a powerful figure within the Tata family. She established the Ratan Tata Institute, which provided vocational training and support for underprivileged women. Her influence extended into the arts and philanthropy.

Naval Tata

Naval Tata, an adopted son of the Tata family, was a cornerstone in the Tata Group’s leadership. Born in 1904, Naval was known for his leadership in Tata Steel and his contributions to labour relations, where he nurtured harmony between workers and management. Naval Tata’s tenure with the Tata Group spanned decades, and his impact on Indian hockey and his work in labour policies were particularly notable.
His second marriage to Simone Dunoyer brought her into the Tata fold, where she became a transformative figure in the beauty industry by founding Lakmé.

Sooni Commissariat

Sooni Commissariat, the first wife of Naval Tata, was the mother of Ratan Tata and Jimmy Tata. After her marriage, Sooni embraced the Tata name. Her life was marked by deep connections with the Tata family, including a close friendship with Meherbai Bhabha. Naval Tata and Sooni separated their ways when Ratan Tata was just 10 year old.

Ratan Naval Tata

Ratan Naval Tata, the most recent head of the Tata Group, led the conglomerate through a period of immense global expansion. Born in 1937, Ratan Tata was the grandson of Sir Ratan Tata and son of Naval Tata. After studying at Harvard and Cornell, he joined the Tata Group, where he eventually took over as Chairman of Tata Sons in 1991. Under his leadership, the group acquired major international brands further solidifying the Tata Group’s position on the global stage.
He was not just known for his business skills but also his philanthropy. Ratan Tata’s contributions to education, healthcare, and rural development are as vast as his corporate achievements.

Jimmy Tata

Jimmy Tata, the younger brother of Ratan Tata, is a figure known for his simplicity and privacy. Despite being part of the prominent Tata family, Jimmy lives a modest life, residing in a 2BHK apartment and choosing not to own a mobile phone.
Although Jimmy holds significant stakes in Tata companies, such as Tata Steel, Tata Motors, and TCS, he avoids the limelight. His private nature has kept him out of media attention, though he shares a strong bond with his elder brother Ratan Tata.

Noel Tata

Noel Tata, the son of Simone Dunoyer and Naval Tata, is another important character in the Tata family’s story. As a retail industry expert, Noel Tata was instrumental in the growth of Trent, the parent company of Westside outlets. His leadership within the Tata Group guarantees that the family maintains its influence in a variety of industries.

Leah Tata

Leah Tata, one of Noel Tata’s daughters, is emerging as a prominent figure within the Tata Group. After completing her education at the IE Business School in Spain, Leah took on significant roles in the group’s hospitality arm, particularly with the Indian Hotels Company and Taj Hotels. She has been instrumental in driving the global expansion of Tata’s hospitality businesses.

Maya Tata

Maya Tata, another daughter of Noel Tata, has established herself within the Tata Group’s digital and investment ventures. With academic credentials from Bayes Business School and Warwick University, Maya has played a very important role in the Tata Opportunities Fund and Tata Digital. One of her major achievements includes her leadership in the development and launch of Tata Neu.

Neville Tata

Neville Tata, the son of Noel Tata, is currently leading the retail arm of the Tata Group. As the head of Star Bazaar, a major retail chain operated under Trent Limited, Neville has demonstrated strong business acumen and leadership skills. His role in overseeing the operations of Star Bazaar has reinforced his position as a crucial figure in the Tata retail business.

Industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata was truly a class apart from the rest. He was kind and empathetic to all, including stray dogs and the voiceless animals. A social media post by an HR professional praising Mr Tata for his extraordinary principles went viral earlier this year. In a LinkedIn post from June 2024, an HR professional Rubi Khan shared how she noticed a stray dog peacefully sleeping at the entrance of the luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. Amused by the sight, when she asked the hotel staff about it she was told that the dog had been a part of the hotel since its birth. “There are strict instructions from Ratan Tata to treat these animals well if they enter the premises,” the staff informed Rubi. Touched by the incident, she praised the Taj Mahal Hotel for truly valuing “every being within its walls”. In praise of Mr Tata and his ideology seen at the Taj Mahal Hotel, she further wrote, “We often speak about inclusion, biases, psychological safety, and emotional intelligence. I witnessed all these principles in action here. It’s a fine balance of head and heart, being authentic, and not worrying about what others might think as they enter this esteemed property.”

Not just this, stray dogs are welcomed at the Tata Group’s headquarters in South Mumbai, named Bombay House, too! The strays can walk-in and out freely, have shelter and food, and occasional health check-ups too, a blog on Tata’s official website states.

Photo: Ratan Tata/ Instagram

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday before embarking on a two-day Laos visit to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit spoke with Ratan Tata’s brother, Noel Tata, and expressed condolences.  

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend Ratan Tata’s funeral on behalf of the Government of India.

Earlier, PM Modi in a series of posts on X expressed grief on the demise of Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital following age-related health conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Ratan Tata 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,” the PM wrote on X.

He hailed Ratan Tata’s most unique aspect of “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,” PM Modi said.

Recalling his interactions with Tata, Modi said, “My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”

Ratan Tata, 86, breathed his last at the Breach Candy Hospital where he was admitted on Monday for certain age-related health issues.

Expressing “a profound sense of loss” while bidding farewell to Ratan Tata, the family said in an early morning update that his mortal remains will be taken to the NCPA Lawns at around 10.30 a.m. to enable people to pay their last respect and homage to the departed soul. At around 4 p.m., Ratan Tata’s body would embark on the final journey from Nariman Point to the Worli Crematorium prayer hall for the last rites.

At the crematorium, the mortal remains, draped in the national flag, will be given a police gun salute and then will be consigned to the flames, said the family.

Ratan Tata passes away: The business world was left in mourning on Wednesday as news broke of the passing of Ratan Tata, a titan of Indian industry. The former chairman of the Tata Group, who had been instrumental in guiding the conglomerate to unprecedented success, died at the age of 86 in a hospital in Mumbai.
Tributes poured in from across the country, with Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, describing Tata as “one of India’s most illustrious and kind-hearted sons.”
Below is the full text of Mukesh Ambani’s statement on the passing away of Ratan Tata:
“It is a very sad day for India and India Inc.Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian.
At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied.
Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society’s greater good.
With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991.
On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group.
Ratan, you will always remain in my heart.
Om Shanti.
Mukesh Ambani”
Ratan Tata assumed leadership of Tata Sons in 1991, succeeding his uncle J.R.D. Tata, just as India initiated significant economic reforms that opened the country to global markets and catalyzed a period of substantial growth.

One of Ratan Tata’s initial actions was to assert control over the heads of Tata Group companies, implementing mandatory retirement ages, elevating younger individuals to leadership roles, and strengthening oversight of the various entities.
He established Tata Teleservices, a telecommunications company, in 1996 and led the initial public offering of Tata Consultancy Services, the group’s most profitable venture, in 2004. However, the group recognized that to achieve meaningful growth, it needed to expand beyond India’s borders.
Also Read | Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus Tata Sons & billionaire of hearts, passes away: Life, education, business career milestones & timeline of India’s industry giant
In an interview with the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2013, he said, “It was the quest for growth and changing the ground rules to say that we could grow by acquisitions which earlier we had never done.”
The group acquired Tetley, a British tea company, for $432 million in 2000 and Corus, an Anglo-Dutch steelmaker, for $13 billion in 2007, which was, at the time, the largest acquisition of a foreign company by an Indian enterprise. In 2008, Tata Motors purchased the British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Co for $2.3 billion.
Ratan Tata’s personal projects at Tata Motors included the Indica, the first car designed and manufactured entirely in India, and the Nano, which was promoted as the most affordable car in the world. He provided initial design sketches for both vehicles.

Industrialist and entrepreneur, a much-needed source of vision behind the modern retail and fashion landscape of India, Ratan Tata died on 9th of October 2024 at the age of 86. While he dominated the retail business at Tata, some areas of his business were from sectors of heavy industry, however, his footprint on Indian fashion, retail, and lifestyle will remain one of the most enduring legacies.
Ratan Tata was innately stylish but never a fashion icon in the classical sense; he was more a catalyst for change in India about how fashion was thought of and consumed in the country. Quietly sweeping across the horizon, his influence actually democratised stylish, top-grade clothing for millions of Indians, elevated the country’s retail standards, and helped foster a new era of accessible, modern fashion.

A visionary for Indian retailOne of the greatest contributions to the Indian fashion world was made by Ratan Tata through the successful retail arm of the Tata Group: Trent Limited. Under his leadership, it became a powerhouse for India’s fashion retail. In 1998, he launched Westside, an altogether new retail brand that transformed India’s fashion landscape. Today, Westside has become a name that many Indian households recognizs- affordable, contemporary fashion for men, women and children- available across the country. Under Tata, Westside defined a new Indian retail standard for quality and design, not just in the “big city” malls but as importantly in the big shopping centres of small towns and large cities. It put fashionable clothes within the pocket of millions.
That understanding—elevating shopping to easy, beautiful, and accessible—really helped change the way Indians consumed fashion. Westside took the worldwide designs with Indian sensibilities and brought them to a new middle-class audience that wanted, for the first time, to make a statement about themselves through their clothing.

A global reach in luxury through acquisitions

Tata’s impact went much further than just India. Tata Group’s acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel had already better positioned India on the global luxury map. Not directly linked to clothing, these luxury-coupled Indian businesses elevated India’s status within the discussions of craftsmanship and style-an amorphous area associated with the fashion world.
As the Tata Group ventured into investing in the luxury and lifestyle space coupled with excellence in the retail space, it was conveyed to the world that India was a country which could immediately marry heritage with cutting-edge design—a notion that also made sense in the fashion world.

Champion of Indian craftsmanship and ethical fashion

Beyond retail and global luxury, Tata also underpinned India’s rich heritage of textiles and its craftsmanship. He supported initiatives through the Tata Trusts and other philanthropic initiatives towards preserving and promoting the traditional Indian crafts in the realm of textiles, handloom, and artisanal fabrics. It helped in not only preserving jobs but restoring appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, influencing not just modern designers but also retail brands to look inward for inspiration.
It also supported sustainable and responsible fashion in ethical practice by Tata, creating a certain base for the rise of the entire eco-friendly movement pertaining to fashion in India. When environmental impact in the industry began to be more visibly sensitized, Tata Group’s initiatives were started to use more eco-friendly materials and responsible means of production, guiding the entire industry toward sustainability without clearly stating it.

A timeless style and personal elegance

While he was no sartorial trendsetter, Ratan Tata’s style exuded understated elegance and timeless sophistication. The dignified, subtle cutter-suited businessman contrasted rather starkly with the flashy fashion trends that are the hallmark of the mass-market apparel business. As the above photograph illustrates, true elegance must come from simplicity, quality, and careful attention to detail, not from style fads.
At the same time, however, many were admiring Tata because, despite his stern and classical face, he had the unique ability to project authority and warmth through calm demeanor and elegant presence. He was a role model to countless professionals and business leaders across India, and his sartorial choices underlined his larger vision of a modern, confident, and ethical India.

A lasting legacy

Ratan Tata’s legacy is no less than that of accessibility of fashionable clothing and shaping modern retail. Actually, he has had an overarching influence over Indian craftsmanship, luxury, and ethical fashion. Contributions were made to alter the experience of fashion for millions of Indians as the industry became more inclusive, innovative, and responsible.
Tata will find his place in history for the management at Tata Group, making waves in the fashion world, this time with sharper, more refined, and world-class approaches toward retailing from India. He had always believed that fashion is a tool for self-expression and pride in culture, and this will certainly be something to inspire generations to come.
The family, colleagues, and the millions of Indians whose lives he touched with his vision for a better, more stylish future- all of these remain behind, and his legacy, founded on ethical business practices, love for Indian heritage, and passion for quality, continues to reverberate in the world of fashion and beyond.
Rest in peace, Sir Ratan Tata, your vision shaped the fabric of Indian fashion for generations.