Padma Vibhushan Recipient Ratan Tata Passes Away At 86

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and recipient of India's Padma Vibhushan passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital.

Tata had been in critical condition and under intensive care. Earlier in the week, he had mentioned undergoing routine medical checks due to age-related health concerns.

In tribute, the Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast on 10 October as declared by the Chief Minister's office. Tata's mortal remains will be placed at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai from 10 am to 4 pm, with his last rites to follow later in Worli. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the ceremony.

Ratan Tata was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour in 2008, after receiving the Padma Bhushan in 2000.

He joined the Tata Group in 1961, beginning his career on the shop floor of Tata Steel. In 1991, he succeeded J R D Tata as chairman of Tata Sons, steering the company into global prominence with the acquisitions of Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover and Corus.