"Extremely sad; India lost priceless gem": RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pays tribute to Ratan Tata

New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of renowned industrialist Ratan Tata, describing his demise as "extremely sad" for all Indians.
"The demise of the country's renowned industrialist Ratan Tata is extremely sad for all Indians. With his demise, India has lost a priceless gem. Ratan Tata's contribution to India's development journey will always be remembered. He established many excellent standards along with new and effective initiatives in important areas of industry," the RSS posted on social media X, quoting Bhagwat.
Bhagwat highlighted Tata's humility and simplicity, despite achieving great heights, as a quality that will remain exemplary.
"His continuous cooperation and participation remained in all types of work in the interest of the society. Whether it is about the unity and security of the nation or any aspect of development or the interest of the working employees, Ratan ji remained inspirational with his unique thinking and work. Even after touching many heights, his style of simplicity and humility will remain exemplary," he said.
"We offer our humble salutations to his sacred memories and pay our emotional tribute. We pray that God grants salvation to the departed soul," the RSS chief added.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet-led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday passed a resolution urging the Centre to confer country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata who passed away in Mumbai in recognition of his achievements.
Tributes were paid to Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata in the state cabinet meeting held today.
The Cabinet also passed a condolence proposal on Ratan Tata's demise.
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night. He was 86. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the last rites will be performed with full state honours.
According to an official statement from Maharashtra Chief Minister Office, the state government has declared one day of mourning in respect of Ratan Tata.
The mortal remains of Ratan Tata, draped in the national flag, has been kept at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) lawns for the public to pay last respects. As per a statement from Tata Trust, the mortal remains of Ratan Tata will be taken on its final journey at 4 pm today.
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chief Ministers of almost every state have condoled the demise of Ratan Tata. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata on Thursday remembering him as a respected figure not just in India but globally.
Ratan Tata, born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, was 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.