Mumbai: The late industrialist Ratan Tata, 86, who passed away on October 9, lived a life that was devoid of any glitz and glamour.
Tata, who was battling with age-related health issues at the Breach Candy Hospital, worked tirelessly to further the reaches and riches of the Tata empire, and donated most of his income for philanthropic causes.
Tata had donated more than Rs 9 000 crores to philanthropic causes, focusing on healthcare, education, rural development, and social welfare initiatives, a figure that many industrialists in India have the net worth of.
Tata proved to be the growth engine for India, putting the nation’s economy on the global stage. However, a colossal volume of work made him a loner in the later phase of life, which explains his absence from social events and overall a life in solitude.
While some industrialists splurge money in fancy weddings, cultural programs with events, Tata lived his life as a loner, and still worked for the nation.
In an old interview with actress Simi Garewal on her chat show ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal’, Tata was asked about being a recluse to which he said: “Over time, one becomes alone. The job makes you a little lonely."
When Garewal asked him if he easily trusted people, he said: “Yes, I think so. People may disagree but I think I do."
He even said he was good at making new friends and was, in fact, bad at keeping age-old friendships.
“There are many times when you feel lonely at not having a wife or a family. Sometimes, I long for it but sometimes I enjoy the freedom of not having to worry about the concerns of someone else."
Thousands, including top political leaders, captains of industry, celebs and commoners bid a tearful farewell to the legendary business giant. Among them were tycoons including Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani and their family members.
Tata's mortal remains were taken to the NCPA Lawns to enable the people to pay their last respects. His glass-topped coffin, draped in the Tricolour, was mounted in a closed flower-bedecked van, which sped off to the Prayer Hall and Crematorium at Worli.
His head, covered in a typical red Parsi prayer cap and body in a traditional community attire, was visible from the coffin at the NCPA Lawns and the Prayer Hall in Worli, as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi religious men chanted prayers and reverently stood beside.
Hundreds of vehicles carrying the police, security, political and other VVIPs plus hordes of media persons zoomed along the Mumbai Coastal Road, even as normal traffic movement was halted for some time.
En route, on both sides, there were many thousands of Mumbaikars, many with moist eyes, raising their hands in a symbolic "Goodbye, Tata", some carrying small posters or placards with his photos as the motorcade zipped away.
Before Worli, there were many more thousands of locals who had trooped out on the roads and stood on both sides, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary tycoon, who had touched the lives of many millions during his lifetime through his industries, social, educational, health and philanthropic activities.
At some squares and thoroughfares, there were large hoardings with photos of Tata and tributes by the common folk expressing their sentiments and gratitude to their iconic hero.
At the Worli Crematorium’s prayer hall, barely 200 VVIPs and close family members were permitted to offer wreaths and flowers to Tata’s remains kept there for some time
Later, it was taken to the cremation spot by a police team, a police band played the Last Post, accorded him a gun salute, and removed and folded the Tricolour, which was handed over to a relative.
Reflecting on an encounter with Tata in the peak of his career, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan said: "I was once travelling by plane. The passenger next to me was an elderly gentleman dressed in a simple shirt and pants. He appeared to be middle class, and well educated.
"Other passengers perhaps recognised who I was, but this gentleman appeared to be unconcerned with my presence... He was reading his paper, looking out of the window, and when tea was served, he sipped it quietly. Trying to strike a conversation with him I smiled. The man courteously smiled back and said 'Hello'.
"We got talking and I brought up the subject of cinema and movies and asked, 'Do you watch films?'. The man replied, 'Oh, very few. I did see one many years ago'. I mentioned that I worked in the movie industry. The man replied, 'oh, that’s nice. What do you do?'. I replied, 'I am an actor'. The man nodded, 'Oh, that's wonderful!'
“And that was it. When we landed, I held out my hand and said, 'It was good to travel with you. By the way, my name is Amitabh Bachchan!'. The man shook my hand and smiled, 'Thank you... nice to meet you. I am JRD Tata (Chairman of Tata Group)!'.
"I learned on that day that no matter how big you think you are, there is always someone bigger. Be humble, it costs nothing."
Tata’s empire extended from metals to hospitality, FMCG, lifestyle, telecom, infrastructure, aerospace and technology. He was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in India. He had previously received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour.