Ratan Tata cremated with state honours in Mumbai; thousands turn up to pay tribute

A stampede-like situation ensued outside Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on Thursday, where people had gathered to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday at the Breach Candy Hospital. Due to the growing crowd, the Mumbai Police had to conduct a lathi charge to manage the situation.

Ratan Tata’s mortal remains were taken from the NCPA to Worli for his final rites. His body was kept at the NCPA in South Mumbai for public viewing from 10:30 am to 3:55 pm.

The Mumbai Police gave him a ceremonial guard of honour at the Parsi crematorium, where the last rites were performed. His coffin, wrapped in the Indian flag, was escorted by a guard of honour, accompanied by a marching band playing trumpets and drums during the procession.

Several dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, joined the procession, escorting the hearse to the Parsi crematorium in Worli. They were accompanied by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and other prominent leaders for the final ceremony.

Amit Shah wrote on X, “Have joined millions of Indians to grieve the sad demise of Ratan Tata Ji. Also laid a wreath on behalf of PM Narendra Modi. Ratan Tata Ji will always be remembered as a beacon of patriotism and integrity…”

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “He took it upon himself as a challenge and a national duty to revive Air India. He guided the board…Now their bold move to merge Vistara and Air India is truly remarkable. I acknowledge and thank Ratan Tata and Tata Group. I am a regular Air India traveller and I am sure the ‘Maharaja’ will be in action as they are getting their new planes coming into service…”

In response to Tata’s passing, the Maharashtra government declared Thursday, October 10, a day of mourning, cancelling all state events for the day.

Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar, after visiting Breach Candy Hospital, said, “All state government programmes in Mumbai have been cancelled for tomorrow due to the death of industrialist Ratan Tata.”

Likewise, the Gujarat government announced a one-day state mourning on Thursday in memory of Ratan Tata, who passed away on Wednesday night in Mumbai.

(With inputs from agencies)