“It has been a month since Shri Ratan Tata Ji left us. From bustling cities and towns to villages, his absence is deeply felt across every segment of society,” begins Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s article remembering the celebrated industrialist. The 86-year-old chairman emeritus of Tata Sons passed away in Mumbai on October 9.
In his “oped”, PM Modi recalled how Tata was the driving force in realising the inception of the Vadodara-based aircraft complex. The production unit, set up to produce C-295 military aircrafts, was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister, along with the Spanish President Pedro Sánchez.
“Shri Ratan Tata’s presence was greatly missed,” said PM Modi.
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“In recent years, he became known for mentoring India’s start-up ecosystem, investing in many promising ventures. He understood the hopes and aspirations of young entrepreneurs and recognised the potential they had to shape India’s future,” added the prime minister, recalling Tata’s last years, where he invested in upcoming companies.
PM Modi also went beyond talking about Tata’s greatness as a businessman. He remembered the industrialist’s love for animals, how he often shared photos of his pets and his “ability to care for the most vulnerable.”
Last month, it was reported that Ratan Tata made provisions in his will ensuring “unlimited” care for Tito, his German Shepherd, in a rare move in a country such as India. Tata reportedly adopted Tito about five or six years ago following the passing of his previous dog by the same name. According to his will, Tito will be taken care of by his cook, Rajan Shaw.
The article also pointed out Tata’s commitment to the country in times of crisis, referring to the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. “His swift reopening of the iconic Taj Hotel in Mumbai after the 26/11 terror attacks was a rallying call to the nation—India stands united, refusing to yield to terrorism,” said PM Modi.
In 2008, Rata Tata was honoured with the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. The nation, where many people, including entrepreneurs and hardworking professionals, mourned his loss, came together to honour him as condolence messages poured over social media. Apart from the loss of Ratan Tata, October was also a dark month for Indian markets as foreign investors pulled out funds, the highest since the Covid years, triggering a fall in major indices.