Ratan Tata to be accorded state funeral, Maharashtra declares day of mourning to honour Tata Group chairman

The Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning on Thursday (October 10) to honour the late Ratan Tata, a towering figure in Indian industry, who passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86. Tata, celebrated for leading the Tata Group to international acclaim, died at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai following a brief illness.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, his remains were transported from the hospital to his Colaba residence, accompanied by a police escort.

Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, visited the hospital upon learning of his passing.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that, as a mark of respect, the state flag would be flown at half-mast on Thursday, and all entertainment activities would be paused for the day.

The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Ratan Tata at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai, where his body will lie in state from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Tata’s final rites are scheduled to be performed later on Thursday in Worli.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced late Wednesday night that Ratan Tata will be accorded a state funeral.

In a post on X, CM Shinde described Tata as a “unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship” and hailed him as a living legend who successfully led the Tata Group, a conglomerate with a 150-year legacy.

“Ratan ji Tata’s mortal remains will be accorded a state funeral,” Shinde said as per a PTI report.

Praising Tata’s legacy, Shinde said that the industrialist will remain a source of inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs. He also recalled Tata’s unwavering strength during the 26/11 terror attacks, when the Tata Group’s Taj Hotel in Colaba was one of the primary targets of the 2008 tragedy.

“His resoluteness during the 26/11 terror attack will always be remembered,” the Chief Minister added.

Tata, born on 28 December 1937 in Mumbai, was the driving force behind the growth of the Tata Group from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. He was also known for his philanthropy, serving as Chairman of the Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India’s largest private-sector philanthropic organisations. In 2008, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.

(With PTI inputs)