Ratan Tata: The man who braved 26/11 from closest proximity and ‘stood tall’ in the face of terror attack

Ratan Tata, the industrialist and Tata Sons chairman emeritus, who died at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday (Oct 9) was the one who stood like a pillar even as black fumes rose from the Taj Mahal Palace, and the rescue operation went on to save those stranded in the hotel amid the 26/11 terror attack.

On November 26, 2008, Tata’s patience and resilience came under a huge test as the Tata Group-owned Taj Mahal Palace was attacked by terrorists.

The hotel was among the two luxury hotels that were attacked along with a train station, a Jewish cultural centre, a hospital, and other targets in Mumbai.

The hotel remained under a 60-hour siege, and 33 out of the 166 people were killed. Among the casualties, 11 were hotel employees.

As the rescue operation continued, Tata was seen at the Colaba end of the hotel for the entire day, sometimes alone and sometimes surrounded by aides and staff.

After the attack, he ensured that the hotel’s iconic dome was restored and the damaged areas were opened within 21 months.

He also pledged to take care of the families of employees who were killed or injured in the tragic incident and paid the salaries to the kin of those killed, equalling the amount they would have earned for the rest of their lives, as per the BBC report. 

As reported by the Deccan Herald, Ratan Tata had gone to the homes of victims and ensured their well-being.

In a few months, The Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT) was also formed by the Tata Group to provide humanitarian support during disasters.

Recalling the event later, Tata said, “About 37 or 40 in our hotel were shot and killed for no reason. And then it became an issue that you stand by it and let this happen or go into the midst of what was like a war zone and stand with your employees and go to the homes of people who were killed.”

Watch: Ratan Tata: Man Who Transformed The Tata Group Into A Global PowerHouse

He said that he had two choices, either to let things happen or go in the middle of what looked like a war zone.

“I chose to do the latter to go every day to the hospital to meet the people who were injured. And there again, it gives a lasting impression on you in terms of what happened, what could have been done to avoid it and how could you deal with this and what is the best form of support you can give to your people? Those instances stand out as being challenging moments in one’s career,” he added.

Taking to X, actor Kamal Haasan said, “In the immediate aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, I met him while staying at the iconic Taj Hotel. In that moment of national crisis, the titan stood tall and became the embodiment of the Indian spirit, to rebuild and emerge stronger as a nation.”

(With inputs from agencies)