"Symbol of simplicity and humility": Former President Ram Nath Kovind mourns Ratan Tata's demise

New Delhi [India], October 10 : Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday praised industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata for his humility and patriotism, who passed away at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday night and recalled his experiences with him at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Kovind said, "He was a symbol of simplicity and humility. Whenever I used to invite him during banquets at Rashtrapati Bhavan, despite being such a famous industrialist, I saw his humility that he never seemed like one of the big industrialists of our country."
He further highlighted that the industrialist focused on national interest.
"Most industrialists set up industries for money, but he used to tell everyone that if you people want to set up industries, then national interest should always be there," Kovind added. The former President also praised Tata Group's commitment to national welfare.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid his tribute to Ratan Tata, calling him a "born industrialist and philanthropist" who always did the 'right thing'.
Kharge noted that Tata never engaged in fraudulent activities or tried to earn money by dishonest means.
"He always said the country comes first. I met him many times when I was the Industry Minister. When the Prime Minister of Japan was here, I got the opportunity to meet him... I pay tribute to him from my heart," Kharge said.
Kharge praised Tata's dedication to India's progress and his honesty in business. "He achieved great things. In big matters, he always worked for India's benefit. His salary data was clear, and the plan was right. He always worked honestly in the industry without ever resorting to shortcuts to make money," he said.
Recalling a specific interaction, Kharge shared, "When Japan's Prime Minister visited, I was there with S.M. Krishna, and we had a meeting at the Taj Hotel. He was very polite, and whatever he discussed with us, he did so with seriousness and humility."
"From the bottom of my heart, I offer him my respects. If more people like him enter the corporate world, it would greatly benefit the nation" the Congress President concluded.
Earlier, the mortal remains of Ratan Tata embarked on its final journey to the Prayer Hall at the Worli Crematorium, Dr E Moses Road, Worli for the final rites. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the last rituals of the veteran industrialist on behalf of the Government of India.
Union Ministers Amit Shah and Piyush Goyal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis were among those who arrived at the crematorium to attend the last rites.
Moreover, Union Minister Piyush Goyal offered his condolences on the demise of Ratan Tata and said that the nation has not only lost a "legend", but a true nationalist, a son of the soil, who believed in the Bharat story.
"This is one of the most tragic days for the country. We have not only lost a legend, a true nationalist, a son of the soil who believed in the Bharat story," added Goyal.
"Passionate about his work, simple in his lifestyle, rich in his values, and yet so humble. Last week, when I was in New York at a Taj Hotel, the lady who was running the lift was very proudly telling me that I am a friend of Ratan Tata and he had invited me to visit India," said Goyal.
According to an official statement from Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office, the state government has declared one day of mourning in respect of Ratan Tata.
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.