Mumbai came together to honor the iconic Ratan Tata at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) on Marine Drive. Despite the long queues and the warm weather, thousands of people waited patiently to pay their respects. Many of those in line were Tata employees, easily identifiable by their company lanyards and lapel pins.
When Tata’s body arrived at the centre, it was placed in a glass coffin draped with the Indian flag. Family members and close friends, dressed in white, sat near the coffin, reminiscing about the man they had known and loved. Attendees shared stories of Tata’s kindness and generosity, emphasizing the impact he had on their lives.
As the day went on, more notable figures arrived to pay their respects, including political leaders and celebrities. The crowd grew larger, with some incidents of overcrowding that required police intervention. Despite the chaos, people continued to gather to bid farewell to a man who had made a difference in so many lives.
One attendee, Pramod Devre, shared how Tata had supported employees and their families during the Covid pandemic, not only by providing salaries but also medical assistance. This act of kindness and compassion endeared Tata to many, making his loss deeply felt.
As religious leaders offered prayers for Tata’s next journey, the crowd stood in silence, reflecting on the legacy he left behind. The day was not just a somber occasion but a celebration of a life well-lived and the impact one man had on an entire community.
The outpouring of love and respect at the NCPA was a testament to the profound influence Ratan Tata had on Mumbai and beyond. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and the lives he touched.
