Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tributes to industrialist Ratan Tata, the Chief Minister's Office said.
A statement quoting CM Shinde said the national tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra will be flown at half-mast on Thursday as a sign of mourning. There will be no entertainment events on Thursday, the statement said. Tata's mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 3.30 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects.
The mortal remains of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata were taken from his residence on Thursday morning in a hearse adorned with white flowers, heading to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai for public tributes. Before the hearse departed, the Mumbai police band performed a tribute in his honour.
Ratan Tata, the revered industrialist credited with transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday night at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the nation.
From early Thursday morning, people from various sectors gathered outside Tata's residence to pay their respects. Notably, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was among the first to arrive.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other prominent figures, including industrialist Mukesh Ambani, rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news.
The mortal remains of Ratan Tata will begin their final journey at 4 PM to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium on Dr E Moses Road for the last rites. Chief Minister Sginde confirmed that Tata will receive a state funeral in recognition of his significant contributions to the nation.
