The passing of Ratan Naval Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group and a towering figure in Indian industry, has ignited a national conversation about posthumously awarding him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.
The passing of Ratan Naval Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group and a towering figure in Indian industry, has ignited a national conversation about posthumously awarding him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Tata, who passed away at 86 in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday, left behind a legacy that extends far beyond corporate achievements, profoundly impacting the fabric of Indian society through his philanthropic endeavors and ethical leadership.
Tata, who led the Tata Group for over two decades, transformed the conglomerate into one of the largest and most influential business houses in India. Under his stewardship, the group diversified into multiple sectors, acquiring iconic brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel, and ventured into new areas like chip manufacturing and technology-driven industries. Tata’s approach combined a keen business acumen with a commitment to social responsibility, leading to significant contributions in education, healthcare, and animal welfare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tata as a "visionary business leader" whose contributions extended beyond the corporate world.
"He provided stable leadership to one of India's oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and unwavering commitment to making our society better," he said in a post on X.
"He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few."
"My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister added.
Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained… pic.twitter.com/feBhAFUIom
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)Following his passing, many Indian netizens have urged PM Modi to confer the Bharat Ratna on Ratan Tata posthumously. Social media platforms have been inundated with tributes, many of which echo the sentiment that Tata's life and work exemplify the qualities deserving of the nation's highest honour.
"This India’s Ratan deserves a Bharat Ratna," said one user on X.
Another Indian added, "When will the Government of India recognize his generosity and give him Bharat Ratna??"
"I’ve never met him, but this feels personal. This is what he has earned in his life. Rest in Peace the true ‘Ratan’ of India, Sh. Ratan Tata Ji. India will always be indebted to you and your deeds. I wish GOI would’ve given him ‘Bharat Ratna’ while he was here to receive it," said a third user.
A fourth Indian netizen remarked, "Ratan Tata ji should have been conferred with BHARAT RATNA award earlier, but now time has come that posthumously he should be honoured."
"The True Invaluable Gem of India , Anmol Ratan Tata has bereaved the nation . He is a very appropriate candidate for our Country’s Highest Civilian Award , BHARAT RATNA, which he fully deserved while alive. Even now the Govt can immediately announce it, posthumously," said another grieving India.
As discussions surrounding the Bharat Ratna gain momentum, it is clear that Ratan Tata's legacy will endure in the hearts of millions. His vision, integrity, and commitment to the betterment of society are qualities that resonate deeply within India’s collective consciousness. The movement to posthumously honour him with the Bharat Ratna signifies a recognition of his profound impact on the nation, reflecting a shared desire to celebrate not just a business leader, but a national icon who dedicated his life to serving the people of India.
As tributes continue to pour in, it remains to be seen whether the government will act on these calls, but one thing is certain: Ratan Tata's legacy as a leader, philanthropist, and humanitarian will live on, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence while prioritizing the welfare of society.
Here’s a look at how various Indians have voiced their demand to posthumously honour Ratan Tata with the Bharat Ratna:
This India’s Ratan deserves a Bharat Ratna. 🇮🇳🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tpt9zmeYxg
— Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor)#modi#rahulgandhi#ratantata
Modiji giving out bharat ratna for few loksabha,seats to polticians .i am asking Bharat Ratna for a person who is a visionary .hope no objection to this in case u agree like share retweet pic.twitter.com/PuqNGryaak
I’ve never met him, but this feels personal. This is what he has earned in his life.
Rest in Peace the true ‘Ratan’ of India, Sh. Ratan Tata Ji 🙏
India will always be indebted to you and your deeds.
I wish GOI would’ve given him ‘Bharat Ratna’ while he was here to receive it. pic.twitter.com/yMAkkmSWiw
🙏 He is Bharat Ratna, though the government deprived him of this. Expecting he will be respected posthumously.
— MANOJ MISHRA (@manojmish7)Ratan Tata ji should have been conferred with BHARAT RATNA award earlier but now time has come that posthumously he should be honoured
— Proud Dark skin Indian from East no Chinese look (@smsanjib5)Bharat Ratna Award will gain sheen by being given posthumously to the real life Ratna ,RATAN TATA 🙏🏾 OM SHANTI 🙏🏾💐
— 🇮🇳Finding NaMo ( in 3.0) (@sivakumaar)The True Invaluable Gem of India , Anmol Ratan Tata has bereaved the nation . He is a very appropriate candidate for our Country’s Highest Civilian Award , BHARAT RATNA, which he fully deserved while alive. Even now the Govt can immediately announce it, posthumously.
— K.R. Prithvi Raj (@KRPrithviRaj)The nation has lost a true icon in Ratan Tata. His immense contributions to industry, philanthropy, and the nation’s progress make him deserving of the highest honor. It is imperative for the government to announce the Bharat Ratna for Ratan Tata immediately and posthumously. Let… pic.twitter.com/WNp0AZs8gO
— NOMULA SRINIVAS RAO (@srinu1966)Exactly 8 years ago I was upset with Ratan Tata for ousting my dear friend Cyrus Mistry as the Chairman of Tata Sons. Today I am upset to see leave this world . He deserved the Bharat Ratna when alive. I hope he gets it posthumously ji
— Shankar Khasnis 🇮🇳 (@Khanapur)
Nation pays tribute to this Great Son of India.
Nation demands Bharat Ratna to be conferred to this 'Anumol Ratan' posthumously.
Nation also demands Official State Farewell to this Anumol Ratan, the Great Son of India.
🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DjN8pa7Mfz
Mr Ratan Tata remains one of the true RATNAs Bharat produced. By conferring BHARAT RATNA atleast posthumously, the award would shine more gloriously. https://t.co/YRPAzfYWec
— Narasimha Rao Vippagunta (@NVippagunta)I humbly request sir to posthumously honor you with the Bharat Ratna, recognizing you as one of the greatest Indians. We, as Indians, will feel that the pride of India has been rightly honored. pic.twitter.com/NCsmBpvjVg
— KAMALENDU SASMAL (@15kamalendu)As an follower and admirer of Mr. Ratan Tata Ji, would request Govt. of India 🇮🇳 to conferred him with the India's highest civilian award to him posthumously. 🙏
— 𝗥𝗮𝗷 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗝𝗵𝗮 (@Rajkj_7)For his unparalleled contribution to India's growth story, Shri Ratan Tata Sir is the most deserving person to receive Bharat Ratna. It should have been given to him while he was alive. Hope so government now considers giving Bharat Ratna posthumously. pic.twitter.com/O5W5OKusLp
— Jaswanth B (@Jaswanth__jsnr)He is our Bharat Ratna We the citizens of India propose to be conferred posthumously the highest civilian award for His numerous contribution in building our country and welfare of the citizens … https://t.co/kKW2kTJ8Xn
— Prof. BEJON KUMAR MISRA (@bejonmisra)I request Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Modiji to award 'Bharat Ratna' posthumously to the Great Businessman & Visionary Late Shri Ratan Tataji for his invaluable contributions to the Socio- Economic growth of our country. pic.twitter.com/CkHLphtiV7
— mahant (@mbpattanashetti)