In a meeting today, the Maharashtra Cabinet paid respect to the late veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde presenting a plan to persuade the central government to posthumously award Tata the Bharat Ratna, India`s highest civilian distinction. Ratan Tata passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday night at Mumbai`s Breach Candy Hospital after battling age-related ailments. He was 86.
During a cabinet meeting, a motion was approved requesting that Tata be awarded the coveted prize in recognition of his significant contributions to the nation`s industry, social welfare, and philanthropy. Chief Minister Shinde emphasised Tata`s lasting influence, describing him as a visionary leader who united entrepreneurship, patriotism, and social responsibility.
“Mr Ratan Tata`s ethical ideals will serve as a lighthouse for other entrepreneurs and future generations in the business. He was a principled worker. The Tata Group was a key player in the country`s post-independence reconstruction. Ratan Tata`s group ensured India`s flag continually soared high on the international platform,” the statement from the CMO said.
It added, “Ratan Tata was not just a giant in the world of industry but also a man of high ethical standards and compassion, whose contributions to education, health, and social service will always be remembered. His leadership and humanitarian efforts, especially during crises like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Covid-19 pandemic, are a source of inspiration.”
Tata, the grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, was praised for his ethical ideals, which have set a standard for succeeding generations of entrepreneurs. His efforts to retain India`s worldwide importance, as well as his commitment to the country`s welfare, were underlined during the session.
The Cabinet also conveyed condolences to the Tata Group and the state of Maharashtra, recognising the tremendous loss inflicted by Tata`s death.
In light of his passing, the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony for several development projects in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation area, which was slated for today, has been postponed to allow for a day of grief.
Ratan Tata, born in Mumbai on December 28, 1937, was the Chairman of Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, India`s two largest private-sector-promoted philanthropic foundations. From 1991 until his retirement in 2012, he served as chairman of Tata Sons, the Tata Group`s holding company. Then he was named Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons. In 2008, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the country`s second-highest civilian award.
