Mumbai/New Delhi: On Thursday morning, the body of legendary industrialist Ratan Tata was transported from his home in a hearse adorned with white flowers to the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai, where it will be available for the public to pay their final respects.
Prior to the hearse’s departure from Tata’s residence, located a few kilometers from the NCPA, the Mumbai Police band played a tune in his honor.
As news of Tata’s passing spread, crowds from various backgrounds began gathering outside his home early Thursday to pay tribute.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was one of the first to visit Tata’s residence.
Ratan Tata, known for transforming the Tata Group into a globally recognized conglomerate, passed away at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani were among those who rushed to the hospital upon hearing of Tata’s death.
His remains were taken from the hospital in an ambulance, escorted by police vehicles, early Thursday morning to his home in Colaba.
CM Shinde announced that Ratan Tata would receive a state funeral.
The Maharashtra government has declared Thursday a day of mourning to honor Ratan Tata, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.
A statement from CM Shinde indicated that the national flag would be flown at half-mast on government buildings in Maharashtra as a mark of respect.
Tata’s body will be at the NCPA from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday for public visitation, with his last rites scheduled to take place later in the day in the Worli area of Mumbai.
