Mumbai, Oct 12: The Tata Group of Companies on Thursday held a meeting to condole the death of Tata Sons Chairman emeritus Ratan Naval Tata, who died in Mumbai a day ago.Senior executives of the Tata conglomerate attended the meeting at the Centre for Excellence here.
“We are saddened by the passing of our beloved Mr Ratan Tata, an extraordinary leader, visionary and philanthropist whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata group but also the fabric of our nation,” the companies said in a joint message.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Suresh Sonthalia described Ratan Tata as a “true nationalist and philanthropist”.
In a condolence message, Sonthalia said whenever India faced difficulties, Tata had contributed generously including during the Covid-19 period.
After the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, he had even rejected an order for army tanks placed by “our neighbouring country,” Sonthalia told PTI.
“We are saddened by the death of a great visionary, whose contribution to the nation’s development in general and the steel city of Jamshedpur in particular is immense,” said Sonthalia, a former president of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
He lamented that despite several attempts, Tata could not be brought to SCCI events during his presidentship.
“I had the opportunity to deliver the welcome address when he finally made it on March 3, 2012, under the presidentship of R K Agarwal,” Sonthalia said.
Condoling the demise of Ratan Tata, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday recalled the contribution of the Tatas in the hill state during COVID-19 and also for promoting football’s baby league.
While the former chairman of Tata conglomerates has never visited Meghalaya, the chief minister said the state benefitted through his many programs, including a grassroots football program.
“The Tata Trust had supported India’s first grassroots football program, and the league organised for young footballers was a remarkable success,” the chief minister said.
“When we were facing large challenges during COVID-19, you know, supplies of different products were given by the Tata Trust. Our state was one of the beneficiaries,” he said.
According to the CM, that is the kind of impact that a person like Ratan Tata can have.
Condoling the industrialist’s death, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Ratan Tata was known not just because of how he transformed the industry and the Tata Group but also for all his philanthropic work, especially his kindness to people of all states.
“I think he will be remembered mostly for his kindness, humility and simplicity,” Sangma said.