Ratan Tata’s mortal remains brought to Mumbai’s NCPA lawns for public viewing, ahead of State funeral

The mortal remains of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, draped in the national flag, were brought to the NCPA lawns at Mumbai’s Nariman Point on Thursday morning, allowing the public to pay their last respects ahead of the funeral ceremony.

According to a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains will begin their final journey at 4 PM today. Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday night at Breach Candy Hospital in the city.

“At 4 PM, the mortal remains will embark on their final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, Dr. E Moses Road, Worli for the final rites,” the statement from Tata Trust said.

Members of the public have been instructed to enter the NCPA lawns from Gate 3, with an exit through Gate 2. The premises will not have parking available.

A large crowd gathered at the NCPA lawns to pay their respects, and visuals showed a police band performing funeral procession music with trumpets and drums. Marine Drive road was closed beyond the Oberoi hotel as police cordoned off the area leading to NCPA Lawns.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the last rites of the veteran industrialist on behalf of the Government of India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the last rites will be performed with full state honors.

An official statement from the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office announced a day of mourning in the state. “All government buildings will have the national flag at half-mast, and no cultural or entertainment program will be held today. Ratan Tata’s funeral will be conducted with all state honors,” the CMO Maharashtra said.

Condolences have poured in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chief Ministers of nearly every state following the loss of this iconic figure.

Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai and was the Chairman of Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of the largest private-sector-promoted philanthropic trusts in India. He served as the Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until his retirement in 2012, and was later appointed Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons. In 2008, he received the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.

(ani)