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In a statement, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale paid tributes, calling Tata "a priceless gem" and praising his invaluable contributions to India's progress.

"The death of Ratan Tata is deeply saddening for all Indians. With his passing, India has lost an irreplaceable jewel. His contribution to India's development will be remembered forever. Through his pioneering initiatives in key industries, he set remarkable standards," the statement said.

The RSS further highlighted Tata's dedication to societal welfare. "Whether it was national unity, security, development, or employee welfare, Ratan ji's innovative thinking and efforts were truly inspirational. Despite his immense success, his humility and simplicity stood out as exemplary traits," they added.

Paying an emotional tribute, the RSS leaders said, "We offer our heartfelt respects to his sacred memory and pray for the salvation of his soul."

Ratan Tata passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday following age-related health conditions. He was 86.

His cremation will be performed with full state honours, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend Ratan Tata's funeral on behalf of the Government of India.

At the crematorium, the mortal remains, draped in the national flag, will be given a police gun salute and then will be consigned to the flames, his family has said.

His mortal remains will be kept for people to pay their last respects at the NCPA Lawns at Nariman Point, before being taken for the state funeral in Worli, government and Tata Group officials said on Thursday.

The state of Maharashtra has also declared a day-long mourning in memory of the business titan.

The Tricolour would be flown at half-mast at all government buildings in Ratan Tata's honour, and there will be no official entertainment programmes for the day.

--IANS
 

Mahasthami Puja is being celebrated at all Goddess temples, including Maa Katakachandi and Maa Gadachandi in Cuttack City; Maa Bimala in Shreemandir, Puri; Maa Mangala at Kakatpur; Maa Bijraja at Jajpur; Maa Sarala in Jagatsinghpur and Maa Charchika at Banki. 

Saptami Puja is being conducted at Mandaps (Temporary Puja Platforms) across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. A Beautiful Toran (Gate) has been elected at each Mandap. The glittering Torans, food stalls, and Meena Bazaar attract devotees most in the evening hours. 

Security and traffic arrangements have been beefed up across the two cities as a heavy rush of devotees is expected in the next four days till Bhashani Utsav (immersion festival). 

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend Ratan Tata's funeral on behalf of the Government of India.

Earlier, PM Modi in a series of posts on X expressed grief on the demise of Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, who passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital following age-related health conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Ratan Tata 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 himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better," the PM wrote on X.

He hailed Ratan Tata's most unique aspect of "his passion towards dreaming big and giving back."

"He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few," PM Modi said.

Recalling his interactions with Tata, Modi said, “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."

Ratan Tata, 86, breathed his last at the Breach Candy Hospital where he was admitted on Monday for certain age-related health issues.

Expressing "a profound sense of loss" while bidding farewell to Ratan Tata, the family said in an early morning update that his mortal remains will be taken to the NCPA Lawns at around 10.30 a.m. to enable people to pay their last respect and homage to the departed soul. At around 4 p.m., Ratan Tata's body would embark on the final journey from Nariman Point to the Worli Crematorium prayer hall for the last rites.

At the crematorium, the mortal remains, draped in the national flag, will be given a police gun salute and then will be consigned to the flames, said the family.

--IANS