The remains of industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata were solemnly transported from his home in a hearse adorned with white flowers. The procession made its way to the NCPA (National Centre for Performing Arts) in Mumbai's Nariman Point, where his remains were placed for the public to honor and pay their final respects before the funeral ceremony.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das (L) speaks with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Board at Tata Sons, after paying their last respects to Indian industrialist Ratan Tata at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) ahead of his cremation in Mumbai on October 10, 2024.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das (L) speaks with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Board at Tata Sons, after paying their last respects to Indian industrialist Ratan Tata at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) ahead of his cremation in Mumbai on October 10, 2024.
Image : Getty Images

11:00AM: Ratan Tata renowned for his humility and bold business strategies: Sanjiv Bajaj

Sanjiv Bajaj, CMD of Bajaj Finserv and MD of Bajaj Holdings & Inv, stated that Ratan Tata was a prominent figure in India, recognised for both his humility and his bold business strategies. "He represented a handful of industrialists who helped India break out into the international arena very early on," says Bajaj.

10:30 AM: A towering figure to bring Indian Auto industry to the global stage: Shailesh Chandra

Shailesh Chandra, president of SIAM, expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Indian automobile industry over the passing of Ratan Tata, describing him as a towering figure who played a crucial role in elevating the Indian auto industry to the global stage. "A great humanist, visionary and leader, he championed innovations that are helping build a better tomorrow. RIP Sir," says Chandra.

10:00 AM: Ratan Tata left an indelible mark on India—and the world: Bill Gates

Bill Gates reflected on Ratan Tata as a visionary leader whose commitment to improving lives made a lasting impact not only in India but globally. "I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity. Together, we partnered on numerous initiatives to help people lead healthier, more prosperous lives. His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and example he set will continue to inspire generations," Gates adds.

Industrialist and Tata Group's former chairperson Ratan Tata is no more. He died at 86 years of age after a prolonged illness in a Mumbai hospital. He played a role in catapulting Tata Group into a global conglomerate. The Maharashtra government has announced his last rites will be performed with full state honours. The funeral will be held in Worli today. Amid his demise, condolences have poured in from across the spectrum -- from politics to business and the general public -- with people paying last respects to the 'most loved business tycoon'.

Catch all the live updates around the development on Fortune India live blog.

9:30 AM: His passion extended far beyond growing Tata: Venu Srinivasan

Venu Srinivasan, chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Co., expressed that Mr. Tata was an extraordinary business leader, the kind that a nation is fortunate to see once in a century. “His passion extended far beyond growing the Tata Group. It expanded to serving millions of people in India, through philanthropic work and to which he devoted as much time and energy as he did to the business. He was deeply grounded in values that placed the country before business interests, and whose vision was truly transformational for a country and its people,” Srinivasan adds.

9:00 AM: FICCI mourns Ratan Tata's demise

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) deeply mourns the demise of Ratan Naval Tata. "He leaves behind a legacy that has indelibly shaped the landscape of Indian business and philanthropy," says the industry body.

Bestowed with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan among numerous other prestigious awards, Ratan Tata’s contribution in the Indian industry is all encompassing with special contributions in entrepreneurship, start-ups and corporate social responsibility, it says. "Under his leadership he ensured that resources are put into critical areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development, touching millions of lives across India. His personal investments in startups and mentoring of young entrepreneurs in his later years further demonstrated his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country."

8.30 AM: Sanjiv Mehta, former chairperson of HUL, pens a heartfelt note in memory of Ratan Tata. "He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people from all walks of life, forging relationships based on respect, trust, and kindness. His laughter could fill a room, and his wisdom was sought by many. I had once mentioned to him that our daughters had gone to his schools Roshni at Cornell and Naina at HBS. He always remembered this and would enquire about their well being."

8.00 AM: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says Ratan Tata's life embodied the values of integrity and compassion, serving as an inspiration to many. "The lessons I learned from him will forever resonate in my life. His loss is an immense sorrow for our nation, as we have lost a visionary and compassionate guide."

7.30 AM: FM Nirmala Sitharaman says Ratan Tata's deep resolve to innovation, ethical business practices, and social responsibility transformed industries and uplifted communities.

7.00 AM: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says India has lost an invaluable son. "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."

6.30 AM: Union minister Piyush Goyal says Ratan Tata was a true nationalist & a visionary industrialist who served as the Former Chairperson of Tata Group and brought immense pride to Bharat through his exceptional achievements.

6.00 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says Ratan Tata was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.

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