Today marks one month since the disappearance of Shri Ratan Tata ji. On this day last month, when I received the news of his death, I was preparing to leave for the ASEAN Summit. The pain of Ratan Tata ji leaving us is still in my mind. It is not easy to forget this pain. In Ratan Tata ji, India has lost one of its great sons… a priceless gem.
Even today, in cities and towns, people deeply feel his absence. We all share this pain. Be it an industrialist, a budding businessman or a professional, everyone is saddened by his demise. People associated with environmental protection…people associated with social service are equally saddened by his passing. And we are feeling this pain not only in India but all over the world.
For the youth, Shri Ratan Tata was an inspiration. His life, his personality remind us that there is no dream that cannot be fulfilled, there is no goal that cannot be achieved. Ratan Tata ji has taught everyone that success can be achieved with a humble nature and helping others.
Ratan Tata ji was a symbol of the best traditions of Indian entrepreneurship. He was a faithful representative of the values of reliability, excellence and excellent service. Under his leadership, Tata Group reached new heights, becoming a symbol of respect, integrity and trustworthiness across the world. Despite this, he accepted his achievements with complete humility and tranquility.
Openly supporting the dreams of others, helping others fulfill them, was one of the brightest qualities of Shri Ratan Tata. In recent years, he has become known for guiding India’s startup ecosystem and investing in promising future companies. He understood the hopes and aspirations of young entrepreneurs, as well as their potential to shape India’s future.
By supporting the efforts of India’s youth, he encouraged a new generation of dreamers to take risks and go beyond boundaries. His passage has immensely helped in developing the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. We will definitely see its positive impact in India in the coming decades.
Ratan Tata ji always emphasized on best quality products… best quality service and showed the way for Indian companies to set global benchmarks. Today, as India moves towards the development goal of 2047, we can only raise our flag in the world by setting global benchmarks. I hope that his vision inspires the future generations of our country and that India strengthens its identity for world-class quality.
Ratan Tata ji’s greatness was not limited to the boardroom or helping his colleagues. He had compassion for all living beings. His deep love for animals was well known and promoted all efforts focused on animal welfare. He often shared photos of his dogs, which were an integral part of his life. I remember when people gathered to bid farewell to Ratan Tata ji…his dog ‘Goa’ also came there with moist eyes.
Ratan Tata ji’s life is a reminder that leadership is measured not only by achievements, but also by your ability to care for the most vulnerable.
Ratan Tata ji always kept the spirit of Nation First paramount. Their prompt reopening of Mumbai’s iconic Taj hotel after the terrorist attacks of November 26, 2011 was a symbol of this nation rising together. His step gave a great message: India will not stop…India is fearless and refuses to bow down to terrorism.
Personally, I had the privilege of knowing him very closely over the past few decades. We worked together in Gujarat. His companies made large-scale investments there. These included many projects that he was very passionate about.
When I joined the Central Government, our close interactions continued and he remained a committed partner in our nation-building efforts. Shri Ratan Tata’s enthusiasm for the Swachh Bharat Mission particularly touched my heart. He was a firm supporter of this mass movement. He understood how important cleanliness and healthy habits were for the progress of India. I still remember his video message on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission in early October. This video message has been, in a way, one of his last public appearances.
Fighting cancer was another goal close to his heart. I remember the event in Assam two years ago, where we jointly inaugurated several cancer hospitals in the state. In his speech on that occasion, he clearly said that he wanted to dedicate the last years of his life to the health sector. His efforts to make healthcare and cancer care accessible and affordable are a testament to his deep compassion for those fighting the disease.
I also remember Ratan Tata ji as a learned person: he would often write to me on various topics, be it governance issues, appreciating some work or sending me congratulatory messages after election victory.
Just a few weeks ago I was in Vadodara with the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and we jointly inaugurated an aircraft factory. The C-295 aircraft will be manufactured in India at this factory. It was Mr. Ratan Tata who started working on this. At that time I very much felt the absence of Shri Ratan Tata.
When we remember him today, we must also remember the society he envisioned. Where business serves as a force for good, where the potential of each individual is valued, and where progress is measured by the well-being and happiness of all. Ratan Tata ji lives on in the lives and dreams of those whom he supported and whose dreams came true. Generations to come will always be grateful to him for making India a better, kinder and hopeful land.
1. PM’s personal connection: “PM shares his memories and says, ‘I had the privilege of knowing Ratan Tata ji closely for decades and witnessing his incomparable contributions.’”
2. Emotional tribute: “’The disappearance of Ratan Tata ji has left a deep void in India,’ the Prime Minister recalled, ‘India has lost a true son and a jewel of incalculable value.’”
3. Inspiration for youth and innovation: “The Prime Minister underlined Ratan Tata ji’s inspiration towards the youth: ‘He inspired an entire generation to dream big and take bold steps towards innovation.’”
4. Dedication to national interests: “The Prime Minister recalled, ‘Ratan Tata ji’s enthusiasm towards the Swachh Bharat Mission and cancer care reflects his deep commitment to public welfare.’”
5. Symbol of bravery: “Prime Minister praises Ratan Tata’s leadership during 26/11: ‘The reopening of Taj Hotel was a symbol of India’s bravery and not bowing down to terrorism.’”
6. Recognition of Tata’s leadership globally: “The Prime Minister said, ‘Under the leadership of Ratan Tata ji, the Tata Group became a symbol of excellence, integrity and global respect.'”
7. Vision of a compassionate and responsive society: “We must remember the society that Ratan Tata ji envisioned, where business is a force for good and progress is measured by the well-being of all,” the Prime Minister said.
Author : Prime Minister Narendra Modi
