Ratan Tata, the philanthropist, visionary industrialist and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night. He was 86. A strong practioner of business ethics, he was known for his philanthropic activities and wisdom that inspired young entrepreneurs of the 21st century.

A living saint, his life has set an example in corporate governance and ethical leadership. He has shown the world that businesses can thrive on the foundation of values, ethics and integrity.

As the news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the nation, reflecting the deep respect and admiration India has for this humble and modest business titan. 

Droupadi Murmu, President, Republic of India

“In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe.”

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

“Shri 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.

“One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was 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.”

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, India

"Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy.  My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons

“It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.

For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.

Mr. Tata’s dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come. Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata’s genuine humility in every individual interaction.

On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed.”

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries

“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.”

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group

“Over the decades, generations of my family and I have had close ties with the institution of Tata. Ratan Tata epitomised the finest ideals of the storied Tata Group. Through his career and actions, he unfailingly demonstrated that business, at its best, is both a vehicle for economic strength and a catalyst for societal progress. His decisions have impacted lives and industries far beyond financial metrics. His legacy will inspire future generations of Indians to pursue success with integrity. India and India Inc have lost a true visionary."

Professor G. D. Yadav, Former Vice-Chancellor, ICT Mumbai

Padma Vibhushan Mr. Ratan Tata’s passing leaves a great vacuum, not only in business and philanthropy but also in science, technology, and education. While his contributions to science and engineering may not have come from direct personal achievements, his visionary leadership transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse that championed innovation, research, and technological advancement. I had the honour of serving with him on the board of TIFR for three years, where he was consistently ahead of his time, asking penetrating questions about the latest developments in science. He would often challenge us with, ‘What is different and cutting-edge that TIFR is doing and should do?’ He would talk on new materials and nanotechnology.

The board included renowned members such as R. Chidambaram, Anil Kakodkar, Srikumar Banerjee, and C.N.R. Rao, making the experience immensely educational for me. Mr. Tata also played a key role in supporting the Dorabjee Tata Readers post in pharmaceutical technology in ICT, established in 1943, which was in need of funds. He instructed his colleague Mr Krishnakumar to discuss with me the issue and find a solution.  We signed another MOU and funds of about Rs 1.60 Cr were released with a promise that any shortfall in salary to the professorship now will be compensated by the Dorabjee Tata Trust. I vividly remember meeting him about six years ago at the Mumbai airport lounge, where, with his characteristic politeness, he asked me, ‘Professor, what new things are you working on?’

Mr Tata’s passing is a deeply personal loss to every Indian. He will be greatly missed by all of us. May Ahura Mazda grant his soul eternal peace and light as he embarks on the journey to the afterlife. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and countless colleagues and admirers during this time of sorrow. May all find strength and comfort in the cherished memories of his life.

Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani

"India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti"

Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises

“The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P”

Anand Mahindra, Chairman & Team member, Mahindra Group

I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward.  And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position.

Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.

With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community.

Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T

You will not be forgotten.

Because Legends never die…

Om Shanti”