LIVE
Thu, 10 October 2024
Health of Bengal junior doc on hunger strike worsens
Timeline Refresh
Karnataka CM Chief Minister Siddaramaiah/File image
23:54 MUDA case: Lokayukta police question Siddaramaiah's brother-in-law
The Lokayukta police probing the MUDA scam on Thursday questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and another accused J Devaraju, sources said.
They were questioned for nearly seven hours, and they left around 8.30 pm, it said.
The Lokayukta police registered a case on September 27 against Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi B M, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, Devaraju - from whom Mallikarjuna Swamy purchased land and gifted it to her - and others, following a Special Court order on September 25.
The order came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to investigate Siddaramaiah.
The ED has also registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to a police FIR, against the chief minister over the alleged irregularities in allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the MUDA. -- PTI
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23:41 Unregistered boat capsizes off Goa beach, 12 tourists rescued
Twelve tourists were rescued by lifeguards after an unregistered joyride boat capsized off Baga beach in Goa on Thursday.
The boat had no permission to conduct water sports activities, a tourism department official said. The rescued tourists were from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Around 2.50 pm, the boat overturned due to rough waters some 100 metres off the beach, said an official of Drishti Marine, a lifesaving agency appointed by the state government.
A life guard of the agency noticed the accident and raised alarm. Other lifesavers posted on Baga and Calangute beaches rushed to assist in the rescue mission with jet skis, the official said.
One of the lifesavers managed to rescue two children -- a four-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy -- who were trapped under the overturned boat.
A 42-year-old woman was revived by administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the official said.
A senior official of the state tourism department said the boat was subsequently confiscated for operating without registration. -- PTI
23:09 Health of Bengal junior doc on hunger strike worsens
The Kolkata police expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Dr Aniket Mahato, a junior doctor on hunger strike since October 5 at the Dorina crossing.
In a letter addressed to him, the officer-in-charge of Hare Street police station said, "It is to mention that you are on hunger strike at Dorina crossing since last Saturday and afterwards on a forcefully erected stage without permission from competent authority."
"Information from the display board (on health parameters) kept in front of your stage, as well as from other sources, indicates that your condition is deteriorating", he added.
The police had previously requested that he use a KP Police Ambulance, but he refused. To assist him, the letter mentioned that the "department of health, government of West Bengal, has been requested to deploy a team of doctors for you."
The police urged Dr Mahato to "vacate your current place of stay and avail medical assistance to prevent further deterioration."
They assured him that all necessary logistical assistance would be provided. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front wrote a letter to chief secretary Manoj Pant, expressing frustration over the state government's silence regarding their concerns. -- ANI
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22:21 Section of Samsung workers, CITU leaders detained, released later
A section of workers of Samsung India Electronics along with Centre for Indian Trade Unions leaders were arrested on Thursday and released later, after they tried to stage a protest near here without obtaining permission, the police said.
Samsung employees are on an indefinite strike since September 9 pressing for various demands including revised pay, better working conditions and registering the CITU backed newly formed Samsung India Workers' Union by the state labour department.
"Today, around 30 of the workers and some CITU supporters who tried to stage a protest away from the designated place were arrested and they were released later in the day," a senior police official said.
Samsung factory is located at Sunguvarchattiram, off Sriperumbudur, about 40 km from Chennai.
The site designated for the protest is approximately 500 meters away from the factory premises. CITU leaders, including A Soundararajan (state president) and E Muthukumar (Kancheepuram office-bearer) were also arrested along with the employees and released later.
Main opposition AIADMK and the Naam Tamilar Katchi leaders visited them to express solidarity.
On further action, Soundararajan, said it would be decided following consultations. -- PTI
22:02 Heavy rains with thunder, lightning in Mumbai
Heavy rains, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed Mumbai and suburbs on Thursday evening.
Water-logging was reported from many low-lying areas of the city, but with the rush hour traffic having eased, there were no reports of any traffic jams.
The Mumbai police, however, cautioned citizens from venturing out.
'In view of thunderstorm & heavy rain across Mumbai city & suburbs, citizens are requested to avoid moving out of their houses unless necessary. Dial 100 or 112 in case of emergency,' it posted on X.
21:39 Tata's death: No music at Jamshedpur Durga Puja
Over 300 community Durga Puja committees in Jamshedpur refrained from playing music and cancelled cultural programmes on Thursday as a mark of respect to chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons Ratan Naval Tata, who died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night.
A senior functionary of the central Durga Puja committee of the city said some of the organisers have also put up Tata's photograph beside the marquees.
"We have appealed to all the community puja committees to observe the festival in a simple manner and urged them not to play any music, barring mandatory instruments like 'dhak' (drum) etc, to pay respect to Ratan Tata," general secretary of the central Puja committee, Ashutosh Kumar Singh, said.
Altogether 332 community puja committees affiliated to the Central Committee unanimously agreed to the call and stopped playing music, except those related to the puja.
Some of them even cancelled all cultural programmes scheduled for the day, Singh said.
Tata, who died at the age of 86 years, had immense contribution to the development of the city as well as its industries, trade and businesses, Singh added.
Meanwhile, Jamshedpur Football Club also paid tribute to Tata before the players resumed practice after a four-day break. -- PTI
Ratan Tata (right)/Courtesy TATA
21:22 Special postal cover released to honour Ratan Tata
In a tribute to the legacy of Ratan Naval Tata, the Bihar Postal Circle on Thursday released a special cover honouring chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, who died at a Mumbai hospital a day earlier.
The special cover was unveiled by Anil Kumar, chief postmaster general of the Bihar Circle in Patna.
"This release honours Ratan Naval Tata's numerous contributions to industry, philanthropy, and national development. His visionary leadership and commitment to social causes have inspired millions across the nation. This special cover serves not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of the values that the legendary Ratan Tata upheld throughout his life," said Anil Kumar during the event.
Pawan Kumar, Director of Postal Services (HQ), emphasised that such recognition not only celebrates Tata's exceptional achievements but also inspires future generations to uphold integrity, dedication, and social responsibility.
"By honouring figures like Ratan Tata, society acknowledges the profound impact these leaders have had on various sectors and their role in driving progress," he said.
Pradeep Jain, a renowned philatelist, highlighted the significance of the special cover as a unique collector's item and a tribute to Ratan Naval Tata's legacy. -- PTI
Ratan Tata's pet dog, Goa at NCPA to pay last respect to the industrialist/Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters
20:58 Tata's pet dog 'Goa' refuses to leave his side
As thousands gathered at Mumbai's NCPA, where Ratan Tata's mortal remains were kept earlier on Thursday, a black dog with white paws and a white patch on its nostril and forehead made the sombre setting more poignant.
Wagging its tail non-stop, the dog with a red collar refused to leave Tata's side, literally clinging to the spot next to the casket.
'Goa', a stray, named after the coastal state from where Tata had adopted it nearly a decade ago, was brought to the National Centre for Performing Arts in south Mumbai to pay the final respects to its friend who was no more.
A caretaker said Goa was "very close' to Tata.
When photographers jostled to click Goa's pictures, the caretaker urged them to let the pet go saying it had not eaten anything since morning.
Tata's love for dogs is well-chronicled. During Diwali of 2020, he had posted on Instagram a photograph of him celebrating the festival with the "adopted Bombay House dogs', especially with Goa, his "office companion'. -- PTI
Aamir Khan arrives with Kiran Rao to pay tributes to Ratan Tata
20:24 Film industry pays tribute to 'titan' and 'legend' Ratan Tata
Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and SS Rajamouli were among the prominent cinema personalities who mourned the death of Tata Group's chairman emeritus and legendary industrialist Ratan Tata.
Tata, known for his philanthropy besides being a respected industry leader, died at a private hospital in Mumbai on late Wednesday night.
He was 86. Bachchan called Tata's death the end of an era.
The megastar, who along with Bipasha Basu and John Abraham, had worked in the 2004 film "Aetbaar", produced by Tata.
"Just came to learn of the passing of Shri Ratan Tata .. was working very late.. a most respected , humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve .. Spent some wonderful moments with him, during several Campaigns we were involved in together ..My prayers," Bachchan wrote on X. In a post on X, Salman said he was "deeply saddened" by Tata's passing.
"Goodbye to The Titan... Fly high like you loved... and oh how you taught us to love," Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote alongside a picture of a younger Tata, who held licenses to fly both jets and helicopters, sitting in a fighter plane.
Ajay Devgn, who was one of the first film stars to pay condolence, said the world mourns the loss of a visionary.
"Ratan Tata's legacy will forever inspire generations. His contributions to India and beyond are immeasurable. We are deeply grateful. Rest in peace, Sir," he wrote on the microblogging site.
The final rites of the industrialist were performed as per the Parsi tradition with full state honours at a crematorium in Mumbai on Thursday evening.
Aamir and his ex-wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao, were among the celebrities who paid their last respects to Tata at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where the industrialist's mortal remains were kept.
"Today is a very sad day for the entire country. Ratan ji's contribution to the nation is priceless. We will all miss him," Aamir told reporters. Priyanka said Tata touched the lives of millions through his kindness. -- PTI
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
19:25 Tata mentored India's modern business leadership: Pichai
Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, posted a heart-warming tribute to Ratan Tata on X.
'My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear.
'He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India.
'He deeply cared about making India better.
'Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji,' Pichai wrote.
19:07 AI, AI Express, Vistara make inflight announcements in remembrance of Tata
Air India, Air India Express and Vistara are making inflight announcements on Thursday in remembrance of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata for whom aviation was especially close to his heart.
Tata, 86, who was also Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, breathed his last on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hospital.
Officials on Thursday said the three airlines, part of the Tata Group, will be making announcements in remembrance of Tata in their flights during the day.
The demise of Tata also comes at a time when the conglomerate is in the process of completing the consolidation of its airline business -- the integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on October 1 while the merger of Vistara with Air India is set for November 12.
Vistara is a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson told the staff that Air Indians especially acknowledge and are grateful for Tata's immense contribution to Indian aviation and to the Tata airlines.
In his message to employees, Air India Express MD Aloke Singh said Tata's passion and immense contribution to aviation and his guidance in the shaping the group and organisation makes the loss deeper.
"His legacy lives on and continues to inspire us in our journey ahead," he added.
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan told staff that Tata has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us in the Tata Group and across the nation.
"The aviation vertical was especially close to his heart".
Not just the Tata Group airlines, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air also paid tributes to Ratan Tata. -- PTI
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18:40 Welcome: When Modi brought Nano to Gujarat with an SMS to Ratan Tata
'Welcome', a one word SMS from the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to the then Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata led to shifting the Tata Nano project from West Bengal to Gujarat way back in 2008.
Modi had sent the SMS to Tata when the industrialist was addressing a press conference in Kolkata announcing the exit of Tata Nano project from West Bengal after violent protests led by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.
"When Ratan Tata said in a press conference in Kolkata that they are leaving West Bengal, I sent him a short SMS saying 'welcome'. And now you can see what a Re 1 (worth) SMS can do," Modi had said inaugurating the Tata Nano plant at Sanand in 2010 built at an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.
Tata had announced the exit of the Nano project from West Bengal on October 3, 2008 and declared that the plant would be set up at Sanand in Gujarat within the next four days.
Modi had then said many countries were keen to offer all help for the Nano project, but the Gujarat government officers ensured that the project did not go out of India. -- PTI
18:40 Ratan Tata's last rites performed with state honours
The final rites of renowned industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata were performed with full state honours at a central Mumbai crematorium on Thursday evening.
The Mumbai police paid tribute to Tata with a gun salute.
The industry titan's family members, including the half-brother Noel Tata, and top executives from the Tata Group like chairman N Chandrasekaran, were present at the crematorium in Worli.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Congress leader and former CM Sushilkumar Shinde, among others, were also present.
The last rites were performed as per Parsi tradition, one of the priests present at the crematorium said.
After the funeral, there will be three more days of rituals which will be conducted at the late industrialist's bungalow in Colaba, south Mumbai, he said.
Tata (86), a Padma Vibhushan recipient, died after a brief illness at a city hospital late on Wednesday night.
18:19 Ratan Tata embodied spirit of compassionate capitalism: HUL CEO
Ratan Tata was an iconic business leader and a truly inspiring human being, who embodied the spirit of compassionate capitalism, Hindustan Unilever CEO & Managing Director Rohit Jawa said on Thursday.
"It is indeed the end of an era for India Inc. His legacy will continue to live through his immeasurable contributions to the nation and the Indian business landscape," Jawa said.
Tata (86) passed away late Wednesday evening in Mumbai due to age-related medical conditions.
Samsung Southwest Asia President and CEO JB Park called Rata Tata "an innovator, a philanthropist and a visionary leader, whose ethical leadership inspired the world."
"#RatanTata's contribution to society and industry transcends borders and boardrooms. His monumental legacy will continue to endure in our hearts and minds for decades to come," said a post on social media platform X by Samsung quoting him.
IKEA India CEO Susanne Pulverer said he was India's most visionary business leader, philanthropist and an extraordinary human being. -- PTI
17:52 Ratan Tata's last rites performed with state honours
Just In: Industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata's last rites performed with full state honours at Worli crematorium in Mumbai.
-- PTI
Pic: Satish Bodas/Rediff.com
17:43 Mumbai Police give guard of honour to Ratan Tata
Industry titan Ratan Tata was given a ceremonial guard of honour by the Mumbai Police after his mortal remains were brought to a crematorium in Worli for final rites on Thursday evening.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal were present at the crematorium in central Mumbai.
"Have joined millions of Indians to grieve the sad demise of Ratan Tata Ji. Also laid a wreath on behalf of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji," Shah said in a post on X.
Shah said Tata (86) will always be remembered as a beacon of patriotism and integrity.
As an industrialist respected across the world, he steered the Tata Group into global prominence.
His life and commitment to the nation stand as a pole star in India's industrial landscape, the Union minister said.
He led the Tata Group with clean corporate governance, adhering to the rules, and made efforts to build a better society through the Tata Trusts, Shah said. -- PTI
Pic: Satish Bodas/Rediff.com
17:18 Amit Shah, Shinde, Fadnavis reach Worli crematorium
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were among the galaxy of dignitaries who were present at the Worli crematorium to pay their last respects to industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata.
16:52 Sushilkumar Shinde pays homage to Ratan Tata
Former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde arrives to pay last respect to Ratan Tata at the Worli crematorium, Mumbai.
16:44 Ratan Tata's remains taken to Worli crematorium
Mortal remains of Ratan Tata brought to Worli crematorium for his last rites, which will be carried out with full state honour.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis present at Worli Crematorium for the last rites of Ratan Tata. -- ANI
16:40 Tata ignited passion for EVs: Bhavish Aggarwal
Ola Founder Bhavish Aggarwal on Thursday said Ratan Tata ignited the passion for electric vehicles (EVs) in him that led to the establishment of Ola Electric.
In a post on X titled 'Ratan Tata, my personal hero', Aggarwal outlined how Tata played a key role in setting up Ola Electric.
"The one story I'd like to share today is his key role in the founding of my second company Ola Electric. One day in 2017 I got a call from him asking me to come to Mumbai. He just said - 'Bhavish I want to take you somewhere and show you something exciting'," he stated.
He further said, "We flew in his plane to Coimbatore to see his personal project making electric vehicles out of the Tata Nano! He was so passionate and excited about electric vehicles. He even drove me in one on a test track and then pointed out such detailed improvements to the engineers."
That was the day Ola electric really got started -- as he ignited the passion for EVs and cars in me, Aggarwal said.
"After that, almost every product that we conceptualised and designed, I would go and show him the concepts and he would patiently sit with me and ideate and give feedback," he said.
Aggarwal said he was at a loss with Tata's passing away.
"His loss feels so personal because it is for me. He was my hero growing up, like for so many others... My relationship with Mr Tata started in 2008. I was graduating from IIT Bombay and he was the guest speaker at our convocation. I was a young kid but his words that day stayed with me - to serve one's country," he wrote.
"In 2015, I got the chance to meet Mr Tata and he decided to invest in Ola. But my interactions with him didn't end there. They had just begun! Mr Tata was like no other business leader I have ever met," he added.
Aggarwal said Tata took personal interest in his journey. He noted that Tata's love for animals and dogs also grew on him.
"In fact, such was his love for dogs that many times when I went to his office, I would notice street dogs proudly sitting right there next to him inside his office! With this inspiration, we decided to open Ola offices and factories to stray dogs and today we have almost 30 of them living in our facilities," he stated.
"The last time I met him was a year ago to share the news of Ola Electric's IPO and he as usual was gracious and curious. He was frail but his enthusiasm for cars was as high as ever, and his encouragement for me was as strong as ever," Aggarwal said.
"I will deeply miss him. India will deeply miss him. And there will be no one like him again," he added. -- PTI
16:09 Last rites of Ratan Tata to be held shortly
The mortal remains of Ratan Tata are now being taken from the NCPA lawns to Worli crematorium in Mumbai for last rites.
Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
16:00 Lost a pioneer, not his legacy: BSE on Ratan Tata
Leading stock exchange BSE on Thursday acknowledged Ratan Tata's lasting influence on the nation's business landscape, saying "India has lost a pioneer, but not his legacy."
In his condolence message on the death of Tata, BSE highlighted the industrialist's unparalleled contribution to Indian industry, noting that his visionary leadership continues to serve as an inspiration.
"His enduring legacy will continue to guide the country in building a future grounded in unity and vision," BSE said in a statement.
The exchange expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Tata, one of India's most iconic business leaders. Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, was widely respected for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.
"His influence will forever be a source of inspiration for BSE, as we work towards a thriving and inclusive marketplace," the statement noted.
Tata (86) passed away late Wednesday evening in Mumbai due to age related medical conditions.
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
15:31 Ambanis pay tribute to Ratan Tata at NCPA
Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani paid his last respects to Ratan Tata at the NCPA on Thursday afternoon, along with his family members.
Accompanied by wife Nita, son Aakash and daughter-in-law Shloka, Ambani came to pay homage where the mortal remains were kept for the public.
The chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries was received by Noel Tata, the half-brother of Ratan Tata. Ambani also met Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran.
The Ambanis paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of Ratan Tata. Later, he was seen having a word with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA).
Ambani had also visited the Breach Candy Hospital immediately after the death of Ratan Tata late last night.
The 86-year-old Tata breathed his last at the hospital after a brief illness.
Pics, video: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
15:17 Home Minister Amit Shah pays tribute to Ratan Tata
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at NCPA, South Mumbai, to pay his last respects to Ratan Tata. He was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. You can see a video of them, here.
Also paying their last respects were industrialist Mukesh Ambani, wife Nita Ambani, son Aakash and daughter-in-law Shloka. You can see their photograph here.
15:06 What does the common man think about Ratan Tata?
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to some of the people who were standing in the queue at NCPA in South Mumbai to pay their last respects to the late industrialist-philanthropist.
14:38 End of an era, says SP group's Shapoorji Mistry
Ratan Tata will always be remembered as a leader who left a lasting mark on the evolution of the Tata Group and his unfortunate passing marks the end of an era, SP Group Chairman Shapoorji Mistry said on Thursday.
In his condolence message, Mistry said, "Mr Tata's unfortunate passing marks the end of an era. He will always be remembered as a leader who left a lasting mark on the evolution of the Tata Group."
He further said, "The Mistry family has had a long standing relationship with the Tata Group and with Mr Ratan Tata."
The SP Group is the largest minority shareholder with 18.37 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies.
The relationship between the SP Group and the Tatas soured after the sacking of Cyrus Mistry as Chairman of Tata Sons on October 24, 2016.
Cyrus Mistry, who succeeded Ratan Tata as the chief of the Tata group in 2012, died in a car accident in 2022.
14:27 Nation will remain indebted to Ratan Tata, says Advani
Veteran BJP leader L K Advani on Thursday said among the Indian business houses, he has admired Tatas the most due to the immense dedication, vision and integrity with which Ratan Tata steered the group to glory for many decades.
Tata, the former Tata Group chairman who transformed a staid group into India's largest and most influential conglomerate, breathed his last in Mumbai on Wednesday night. He was 86.
In his condolence message, the former deputy prime minister said Tata left an indelible mark on the Indian industry. He was one of the giants of the industry, Advani added.
"He indeed proved to be a worthy successor of the very inspiring late Shri J R D Tata, with whom I had the opportunity to interact with on numerous occasions," Advani said.
The BJP stalwart said his last communication with Tata was in February this year when he received a "warm letter" from him after being conferred with Bharat Ratna.
His warmth, generosity and kindness had always been very endearing, he said.
"The nation will remain indebted to Shri Ratan Tata -- he was truly a legend. May his soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers," the 96-year-old leader said.
14:18 A promise kept: How Tata helped an Army officer
As a young army officer posted at the Maharashtra and Gujarat Area headquarters in 1992, Col Vinayak Supekar (retd) often used to meet Ratan Tata at the United Services Club in Mumbai's Colaba area on the latter's walks.
The former army officer is crestfallen that he will no longer hear that familiar voice calling him "Hi Captain". He was then a Captain, posted as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the then General Officer Commanding of M&G Area, Major General B G Shivley.
"Vijay Bisht, son of my then colleague in M&G Area HQ Lt Col B S Bisht had sustained severe leg injuries after falling from a horse and I came to know that he was looking for a job," Col Supekar said.
"On one of the walks at the onset of monsoon, I mentioned to Sir (Ratan Tata) that the son of a fellow army officer was handicapped below the waist and needed a job," he said. Tata said the needful will be done, he added.
"The next morning, Vijay got a call from Bombay House, Tata Group's headquarters in south Mumbai, asking him to report for duty in the administration section," Col Supekar, now settled in Pune, told PTI.
The former army officer also recalled another incident narrated to him by an army veterinary doctor about Ratan Tata's humility.
"There was this army veterinary clinic in Colaba and Ratan Tata used to take his dog there for regular checkups. Once, a fellow army officer saw Tata patiently waiting in a queue for his turn. The officer, a friend of mine, asked him to bypass the queue but he politely declined," Col Supekar said.
It must have been a memorable moment for the veterinarian to see such humility from someone who had just a year earlier taken over the Tata Group's mantle from his uncle JRD Tata, he said.
The former army officer also spoke of meeting Ratan Tata and JRD Tata at an event in Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on January 26, 1992 and being regaled by JRD about his passion for flying.
The Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and recipient of India's second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. He was 86 years old. -- PTI
The former army officer is crestfallen that he will no longer hear that familiar voice calling him "Hi Captain". He was then a Captain, posted as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the then General Officer Commanding of M&G Area, Major General B G Shivley.
"Vijay Bisht, son of my then colleague in M&G Area HQ Lt Col B S Bisht had sustained severe leg injuries after falling from a horse and I came to know that he was looking for a job," Col Supekar said.
"On one of the walks at the onset of monsoon, I mentioned to Sir (Ratan Tata) that the son of a fellow army officer was handicapped below the waist and needed a job," he said. Tata said the needful will be done, he added.
"The next morning, Vijay got a call from Bombay House, Tata Group's headquarters in south Mumbai, asking him to report for duty in the administration section," Col Supekar, now settled in Pune, told PTI.
The former army officer also recalled another incident narrated to him by an army veterinary doctor about Ratan Tata's humility.
"There was this army veterinary clinic in Colaba and Ratan Tata used to take his dog there for regular checkups. Once, a fellow army officer saw Tata patiently waiting in a queue for his turn. The officer, a friend of mine, asked him to bypass the queue but he politely declined," Col Supekar said.
It must have been a memorable moment for the veterinarian to see such humility from someone who had just a year earlier taken over the Tata Group's mantle from his uncle JRD Tata, he said.
The former army officer also spoke of meeting Ratan Tata and JRD Tata at an event in Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on January 26, 1992 and being regaled by JRD about his passion for flying.
The Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and recipient of India's second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. He was 86 years old. -- PTI
Pic: Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com
13:57 Ratan Tata got painter to display work at Taj Mahal hotel
Amid the outpouring of emotions at NCPA, where the mortal remains of industrialist Ratan Tata have been kept, Nilesh Mohite choked up as he recalled how the philanthropist had got his work displayed at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
In his 30s, Mohite is a painter who lives in a slum colony in south Mumbai.
Mohite said he had met Tata before the COVID outbreak and gifted him a painting, which, he said, adorns the national icon's Colaba home.
Mohite said Tata gave him a cheque in an envelope to reciprocate the gesture but he declined and requested if he could be given a job instead.
Though the job did not materialise, Ratan Tata gave me an opportunity to showcase my paintings at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Colaba for a week after Covid, Mohite told PTI.
The body of Ratan Tata, who died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night, has been kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai. His body will be taken to the Prayer Hall at the Worli crematorium later in the day.
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
13:43 Isha Ambani, Anand Piramal pay tribute to Ratan Tata
Arriving at NCPA, South Mumbai, to pay their last respects to industrialist Ratan Tata were Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal.
13:37 Humiliated by Ford, Ratan Tata bought Jaguar, Land Rover
The story of two iconic brands Jaguar and Land Rover entering the Tata stable began with an insult Ratan Tata couldn't bear.
Back in 1998, the legendary industrialist launched his dream project, Tata Indica -- India's first hatchback with a diesel engine. But sales initially were slow and Tata Motors decided to sell off its fledgling car business within a year of its debut.
US auto giant Ford was seen as an ideal candidate.
The company acceded to a meeting requirement from Ford Motors. Officials of the US firm came to Bombay House for talks sometime in 1999.
During the meeting at the Tata headquarters, the American company evinced interest in buying out the business.
To take the deal forward, Ratan Tata and his team flew to Detroit to meet Bill Ford, then the chairman of Ford.
The meeting lasted about three hours but did not go well.
The American businessman was condescending and 'humiliated' the Indian businessman, according to a person who attended the meeting.
"You do not know anything, why did you start the passenger car division at all," the Ford officials told their guests, and spoke about doing a favour to the Indian company by buying out the latter's business.
The deal fell. The team decided to return to India immediately after the meeting, which was described as 'humiliating' by the person present.
On the 90-minute flight taking them back to New York, a sombre Ratan Tata spoke very few words.
The mortifying experience only made Ratan Tata more focused on his goals.
He decided not to sell the unit and what followed was a classic example of a failure-turned success story.
Nine years later, Ford was on the verge of bankruptcy following the Great Recession of 2008. Tata offered to buy two iconic brands in the Ford portfolio -- Jaguar and Land Rover.
The $2.3 billion all-cash deal was completed in June 2008 and Ford chairman Bill Ford thanked Tata, saying, "You are doing us a big favour by buying JLR'," Pravin Kadle, who was part of the team that travelled with Ratan Tata to the US in 1999, had recounted during a public event in 2015.
Post-acquisition, the Tata Group has scripted one of the most fabulous turnarounds in the auto industry and has been able to position the marquee British brands as formidable entities in the fiercely competitive global car market.
Even as Tata Motors has come a long way and gained market share in India, it continues to earn a significant part of revenues from the JLR.
Today, JLR is the backbone of Tata Motors. -- Ashish Agashe/PTI
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
13:10 Noel Tata at half brother Ratan Tata's farewell
Among those seen at NCPA in South Mumbai where the mortal remains of industrialist-philanthropist Ratan N Tata are kept for the public to pay its last respect, was Noel Tata, his half brother.
12:59 Maharashtra cabinet seeks Bharat Ratna for Ratan Tata
The Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday passed a resolution urging the central government to confer the 'Bharat Ratna', the country's highest civilian award, on legendary industrialist late Ratan Tata.
The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid homage to the industry icon, who died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night.
A motion of condolence was passed during the meeting, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office said. The cabinet also passed a resolution urging the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on the late industrialist.
Tata has been feted with the country's second highest civilian honour Padma Vibhushan.
The resolution said entrepreneurship is an effective way for growth of the society. The country can be taken on the path of progress and development by setting up new businesses, it said.
"It also requires love for the country and honest feelings for society upliftment. We have lost a visionary leader who was committed to the country and the society. Tata's role in the industrial sector and upliftment of the society was unparalleled. He tackled all challenges by adhering to high morals, transparent and clean business administration with discipline," it said.
He carved a niche for the Tata Group and the country on global stage, the resolution said, and that Ratan Tata will always be remembered for his firm determination after the 26/11 terror attacks and contribution of Rs 1,500 crore to the PM Relief fund for the fight against Covid-19. He had opened all hotels of the Tata Group for COVID patients.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, run by a Tata Group company, was among the places in Mumbai targeted by terrorists on November 26, 2008.
"The cabinet pays homage to Tata on behalf of the people of Maharashtra. We are with the Tata Group in this moment of grief," the resolution added.
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
12:38 Tata group chairman N Chandra in queue to pay his respects
Among the many who have lined up at NCPA in South Mumbai to pay homage to Ratan Tata is Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata group, who was in queue with the rest of the crowd, with no show of authority or expecting to be taken to the front of the queue. That's what sets apart the Tata group from other conglomerates.
Ahead of Chandra (as he is known) in the queue is Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata's trusted assistant.
12:13 Ratan Tata was my role model: Narayana Murthy
Losing "dear friend" Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata is "very painful", IT industry veteran and Infosys co founder N R Narayana Murthy on Thursday said as he acknowledged that he was a role model for him in value-based leadership.
"He (Tata) was indeed a moral compass for me whenever I had some ambiguity and confusion in ethical issues," the 78-year-old said.
After conferring an honour on Tata in 2020, the software icon had bent down to touch his feet and sought his blessings.
"Losing a dear friend like Ratan is very painful. Ratan was a role model for me in value-based leadership," Murthy said in his condolence message.
Tata (86) passed away late Wednesday evening in Mumbai due to age-related medical conditions.
Pic: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
12:06 Kumaramangalam Birla pays tribute to Ratan Tata
Industrialist Kumaramangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla group, was among those who paid tributes to Ratan Tata at NCPA in South Mumbai.
Pic: Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com
11:51 People line up at NCPA to pay last respects to Ratan Tata
As the public gathers at South Mumbai's NCPA to pay their last respect to Ratan Tata, Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf, who has joined the mourners, spotted that a separate line has been set for Tata group employees to pay their respects to their former employer.
And the Tata employees' line was as long as the general public one.
11:43 He was the first to greet me: US envoy Garcetti on Ratan Tata
Eric Garcetti, US ambassador to India, has posted a tribute to Ratan Tata on X.
'India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart. When I was nominated to serve as ambassador, the first congratulations from India came from Ratan Tata, who gave so much in service to my hometown, serving on the board of the University of Southern California.
'He saw a future of greater prosperity and equality for his country and did so much for our world. May his memory be a blessing.'
11:25 Pawars pay last respect to Ratan Tata at NCPA
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his uncle and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar chief, Sharad Pawar, on Thursday paid last respect to industrialist Ratan Tata at National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) lawns in south Mumbai.
NCP-SCP leader Supriya Sule and NCP working president Praful Patel also paid tributes to Ratan Tata.
As per a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains of Ratan Tata will be taken on its final journey at 4 pm today.
"We will request the members of the public to enter NCPA Lawns from Gate 3 and the exit will be at Gate 2. There will be no parking available at the premises. At 4 pm, the mortal remains will embark on its final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, Dr E Moses Road, Worli for the final rites," the statement said. -- ANI
IMAGE: NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule pay last respects to Ratan Tata at NCPA grounds in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI on X
11:08 Bharat would miss him very dearly: Veep on Ratan Tata
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have condoled the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, hailing his contribution towards building a self-reliant India.
Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, died at the age of 86 on Wednesday night.
Dhankhar described Tata as a towering figure of Indian industry, whose contributions towards building a self-reliant India will forever be an inspiration to entrepreneurs in India and beyond.
'As 'the legend' of Indian industry leaves behind a lasting legacy, Bharat would miss him very dearly,' the vice president secretariat wrote on X quoting Dhankhar.
Speaker Birla said the country has lost a great industrialist and social worker who not only took Indian industry to new heights, but inspired every section of society with his selfless service and generosity.
'The simplicity, vision and service spirit of Ratan Tata will remain a source of inspiration for ages. His demise is an irreparable loss to the country,' he posted on X.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described Ratan Tata as 'anmol' or precious Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the era of visionary leadership has come to an end.
'He has left behind an irreplaceable void. His remarkable contributions have not only transformed industries but also elevated India onto the global pedestal of innovation and excellence,' he wrote on X. -- PTI
10:45 Mumbai police band's tribute to Ratan Tata
Legendary industrialist Ratan Tata's body, draped in the tricolour, was on Thursday morning taken from his house in a hearse, decked with white flowers, to the NCPA in south Mumbai where it would be kept for people to pay their last respects.
Before the hearse started from Tata's home, located a couple of kilometres away from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), the Mumbai Police band played a tune as a mark of respect to him.
You can see the video of the police band's tribute, here.
Pic: Jason Koski/Cornell University
10:29 Will remember his transformative giving: Cornell Univ
Cornell University, US, has paid tribute to Ratan Tata, its illustrious alumnus and most generous international donor.
In a post on X, the university said, 'Ratan Tata '59, B.Arch. '62, the university's most generous international donor and one of India's most respected business leaders and philanthropists, passed Oct. 9. We will remember his legacy of transformative giving to Cornell,' along with a photograph of Tata we have used alongside.
10:16 Tata's death loss of a true visionary: Birla
India and the country's industry have lost a true visionary with the passing away of Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said on Thursday.
In his condolence message on the death of Tata, Birla said his decisions have impacted lives and industries far beyond financial metrics.
"Over the decades, generations of my family and I have had close ties with the institution of Tata. Ratan Tata epitomised the finest ideals of the storied Tata Group," Birla said.
Through his career and actions, Tata 'unfailingly demonstrated that business, at its best, is both a vehicle for economic strength and a catalyst for societal progress'.
"His decisions have impacted lives and industries far beyond financial metrics. His legacy will inspire future generations of Indians to pursue success with integrity. India and India Inc have lost a true visionary," Birla said. -- PTI
Pic: Courtesy, DrManmohanPM/X
10:05 Tata's legacy will be cherished: Dr Manmohan Singh
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh posted a touching message in tribute to Ratan Tata on X.
'I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Ratan Tata . His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.
'This is the end of an era, I hope the youth of our beloved country will follow your footsteps,' the former prime minister, and the architect of India's economic reforms, posted along with the image.
09:58 Ratan Tata a true nationalist, visionary: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday mourned the death of Ratan Tata, saying the "visionary" industrialist was a true "nationalist".
"Deeply saddened by the demise of Ratan Tata ji, a true nationalist and a visionary industrialist who served as the Former Chairperson of Tata Group and brought immense pride to Bharat through his exceptional achievements," Goyal said in a post on social media platform X.
He said Tata's leadership led the Tata Group to achieve remarkable success, facilitating its global expansion and significantly strengthening the nation's presence on the world stage.
"His unparalleled dedication to 'Mother India' and his contributions to our society till his last breath through his philanthropic initiatives were recognised with the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awards," the minister said.
Tata, 86, breathed his last at a Mumbai hospital at 11.30 pm on Wednesday. He had been admitted to the hospital earlier this week.
09:54 Tata's body to be kept at NCPA lawns, funeral at 4 pm
The mortal remains of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata will be kept at the NCPA Lawns at Nariman Point in Mumbai for the people to pay their last respects.
As per a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains will be taken on the final journey at 4 pm.
'We will request the members of the public to enter NCPA Lawns from Gate 3 and the exit will be at Gate 2. There will be no parking available at the premises. At 4 pm, the mortal remains will embark on its final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, Dr E Moses Road, Worli for the final rites,' the statement said.
Preparations are underway at NCPA; Nariman Point as mortal remains of Ratan Tata are to be brought here for the public to pay their last respects before the last rites
Marine Drive road is closed beyond the Oberoi hotel as the Police have cordoned off the road leading to NCPA Lawns.
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai aged 86 on Wednesday. -- ANI
As per a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains will be taken on the final journey at 4 pm.
'We will request the members of the public to enter NCPA Lawns from Gate 3 and the exit will be at Gate 2. There will be no parking available at the premises. At 4 pm, the mortal remains will embark on its final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, Dr E Moses Road, Worli for the final rites,' the statement said.
Preparations are underway at NCPA; Nariman Point as mortal remains of Ratan Tata are to be brought here for the public to pay their last respects before the last rites
Marine Drive road is closed beyond the Oberoi hotel as the Police have cordoned off the road leading to NCPA Lawns.
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai aged 86 on Wednesday. -- ANI
09:46 Ratan Tata's mortal remains reach home in Colaba
Industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata's mortal remains arrived at his home in Colaba on Thursday morning.
From there, Ratan Tata's mortal remains will be taken to NCPA, Nariman Point, for public viewing.
09:20 Amit Shah to attend Ratan Tata's funeral in Mumbai
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral of industrialist Ratan Tata in Mumbai on Thursday, according to sources.
Shah will pay respects to the mortal remains of Tata on behalf of Government of India, they added.
The home minister will visit Mumbai for the funeral as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving for Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits. -- PTI
IMAGE: An ambulance drives with former chairman of Tata Group, Ratan Tata's body inside, as it leaves the hospital where he passed away, in Mumbai, October 10, 2024. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters
09:16 Ratan Tata was conscience keeper of industry and nation: Maharashtra Guv
Maharashtra Governor C
P Radhakrishnan on Thursday expressed grief over the death of veteran
industrialist Ratan Tata and described him as the conscience keeper of
the industry and the nation.
Ratan Tata, 86, Chairman Emeritus of
the Tata Group, breathed his last in a Mumbai hospital late Wednesday
night.
In a condolence message, the governor said, "Shri Ratan Tata
was one of the brightest jewels of the global Tata empire founded by
late Jamshedji Tata 150 years ago. Adopting modern management practices,
Ratan Tata established the Tata Group as a trusted Indian global brand,
without ever compromising with the vision of the founding fathers."
The Tata Group has touched the lives of each one of the 140 crore people
of India through its products and services; the credit of which goes as
much to the vision of Ratan Tata as to the Tata group, he said.
At a
time when there is erosion of values, Ratan Tata upheld and safeguarded
the best of ethics and moral values in his personal, social and
professional life, he said. Ratan Tata was truly the 'conscience
keeper of the Indian industry and the nation', the Governor said.
As
the country strives to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, adopting the
values of trust, excellence and innovation so dear to him in every field
will be a real tribute to Ratan Tata, he said.
"I pay my tribute to
this great sage, who thought of the sustainable future of humanity,"
Radhakrishnan said in his condolence message. -- PTI
09:06 Ratan Tata left an indelible mark on society: Sitharaman
Expressing condolences on the demise of the doyen of Indian industry and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said he has left an indelible mark on society.
"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata, a leader par excellence, visionary industrialist, and philanthropist whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our society," Sitharaman said in a post on X.
His deep resolve to innovation, ethical business practices, and social responsibility transformed industries and uplifted communities, she said.
"Extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His remarkable legacy will continue to inspire generations to come," she added.
Ratan Naval Tata, who died at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday night at the age of 86, was considered one of the world's most influential industrialists. He enjoyed a perhaps unique status -- a corporate titan who was considered a 'secular living saint' with a reputation for decency and integrity.
08:50 Tata's passing fills me with immense grief: Mukesh Ambani
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Ratan Tata, describing it as a "sad day for India" and said that the passing of Ratan Tata filled him with "immense grief."
In a post on X, the Reliance Industries Chairman remembered Tata as a visionary industrialist, philanthropist, and dear friend and extended heartfelt condolences to the Tata family and the entire Tata Group.
"It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend," the Reliance Industries mentioned in the post.
Recalling his personal interactions with Tata, Mukesh Ambani said, "Each of my numerous interactions with him enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied. Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society's greater good."
He highlighted Tata's significant contributions to India's growth and global recognition.
"With the demise of Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991. On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti. Mukesh Ambani," the post read.
Ratan N Tata was among India's most respected and loved industralists, who took Tata Group to new heights and touched the fabric of the nation through his contributions across different areas including philanthropy.
Tata, born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, is the Chairman of Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of the largest private-sector-promoted philanthropic trusts in India. He was the Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until his retirement in 2012. Then he was appointed Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons.
He was honoured with the country's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008.
PM Narendra Modi with business leaders RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani, Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata, chairman of the Mahindra Group Anand Mahindra, Adani Group chief Gautam Adani in New Delhi/ANI photo
01:22 Ambani, Adani, Mahindra mourn death of 'most illustrious' Ratan Tata
India's top tycoons on Wednesday mourned the death of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, with RIL chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani calling him one of India's most illustrious and kind-hearted sons.
Tata Group's chairman emeritus and veteran industrialist Ratan Tata died at a Mumbai hospital late on Wednesday night.
Tata, who led the salt-to-software conglomerate to new heights, was 86.
Besides Ambani, billionaire Gautam Adani as well as auto legend Anand Mahindra mourned Tata's demise.
"It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata's passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian," Ambani said in his condolence message.
"At a personal level, the passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend."
Adani said India has lost "a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path".
"Ratan Tata wasn't just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti," he said in a post on X.
Anand Mahindra said India's economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward and Tata's "life and work have had much to do with our being in this position". -- PTI
01:11 India has lost its accomplished son: Gadkari on Ratan Tata
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday condoled the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, saying the country has lost an ideal and accomplished son.
Tata, 86, breathed his last at Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital on late Wednesday night.
He knew Tata for over three decades and learnt a lot from him, said the Union road transport minister.
"I am stunned after hearing the news of the death of a great son of India," the senior BJP leader wrote on Facebook.
Gadkari said he was privileged to have witnessed Tata's simplicity and the respect he gave to someone much smaller than him.
File image
00:57 Fire engulfs godown in Mumbai; no one injured
Some hutments and factories were gutted when a major fire erupted at a godown in Mumbai's Kurla (West) area on Wednesday evening, civic officials said.
No one was injured in the blaze, they said.
An official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said the fire broke out in the warehouse, located in a slum, in Samata Nagar, Kurla (West), at around 5.45 pm and it was put out at about 10.30 pm.
As many as 12 fire engines and other firefighting vehicles were engaged in dousing the flames, he said.
Some hutments in the slum and factories located nearby were gutted in the blaze, said the official. -- PTI
00:51 Industry titan who shaped India's corporate landscape: Cong condoles Tata's demise
The Congress on Wednesday condoled the passing away of Ratan Tata, with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi saying he was a man with a vision "who has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy".
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed sadness over Tata's death, saying that in his passing away "we have lost an invaluable son of India".
"A philanthropist par excellence whose commitment to India's inclusive growth and development remained paramount, Shri Tata was synonymous with unequivocal integrity and ethical leadership," Kharge said on X.
"He was an inspiration and an icon for millions of people and richly contributed to nation building. Our condolences to his loved ones and admirers," Kharge said.
The Congress hailed Tata as a titan of Indian industry and a philanthropist who shaped India's corporate landscape.
Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, died at 86.
Ratan Tata and Tata Sons chief N Chandrasekaran (right)/File image
00:24 Ratan Tata a truly uncommon leader: Tata Sons chairman
"It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said in his condolence message.
"For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," he further said.
The Tata Sons chief said that Tata's dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions.
From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come.
"Reinforcing all of this work was Mr. Tata's genuine humility in every individual interaction," said Chandrasekaran.
"On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed," he said.
Ratan Tata/File image
00:19 Ratan Tata worked to make society better: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Ratan Tata, who passed away at a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday evening.
Modi called Tata a visionary business leader, compassionate soul, extraordinary human being.
"Ratan Tata endeared himself to people, thanks to his humility, kindness, unwavering commitment to making society better," said Modi.
More details soon. -- PTI
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