Ratan Tata, a towering icon of industry and philanthropy who passed away on Wednesday, will be accorded a state funeral by the Maharashtra government. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who called Tata a "unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship", also declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tribute to the industrialist.
The mortal remains of Tata will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai's Nariman Point from 10.30 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects. At 3.30 pm, his body will be taken to the Worli crematorium for last rites. Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the last rites of Ratan Tata on behalf of the Centre.
"The mortal remains of Ratan Tata will be taken to the NCPA Lawns, Nariman Point, Mumbai at 10.30 am on Thursday for members of the public to pay their last respects and homage," Ratan Tata's family said in a statement.
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra would be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. There will be no entertainment events as well.
In a post on X, Eknath Shinde called Tata, who spearheaded the salt-to-software conglomerate for several decades, a living legend who successfully helmed the 150-year-old Tata Group.
"Ratanji Tata was a living legend who successfully led the Tata Group with a tradition of excellence and integrity spanning nearly 150 years. The decisiveness and mental toughness he displayed time after time took the Tata Group to different industrial heights," Shinde tweeted.
Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar said all programmes of the state government scheduled to take place on Thursday have been cancelled.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Ratan Tata, calling him a visionary business leader and a compassionate soul. The PM said one of the unique aspects of Tata was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back.
"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 said.
