The Indian business world stands still as Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday. The visionary leader, who had been in critical condition, breathed his last in a Mumbai hospital, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of innovation, ethics, and service to the nation.

In a statement, N Chandrasekaran, the current chairman of Tata Sons, expressed the deep loss felt by the company and the nation. “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," Chandrasekaran said, referring to Ratan Tata as his "friend, mentor, and guide."

A Tribute from Industry Leaders

As news of Ratan Tata’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, shared an emotional tribute on social media platform X and said, "I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable."

"With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community. Goodbye and Godspeed, Mr. T You will not be forgotten. Because Legends never die…," added Mahindra in his post.

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka also in his post added, "The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond. He will forever soar high in our memories. R.I.P"

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani in his tribute, captured the essence of Ratan Tata’s legacy and 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"

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani said "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. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and 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. With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr 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," he added