The passing of prominent industrialist Ratan Tata has become a topic of widespread discussion across the nation. News about him is trending across social media platforms, and people are expressing their condolences on X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp statuses. Ratan Tata, who had been battling health issues for some time, breathed his last on Wednesday night while receiving treatment at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. As the founder of numerous companies, Ratan Tata has cemented his place in history as a legendary businessman, making India proud. In 2008, the Indian government honored him with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award.
Previously, many prominent figures and netizens alike had demanded that Ratan Tata be awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Bharat Ratna.’ However, Ratan Tata himself did not encourage such campaigns.`
Three years ago, Ratan Tata had politely requested on social media that the campaign for him to receive the Bharat Ratna be stopped immediately. He stated that being born an Indian was fortune enough for him and expressed great satisfaction in contributing to the nation’s development and wealth. For Tata, the country always came first, above awards and titles. These comments made by Tata three years ago have now resurfaced and gone viral.
Once again, netizens are calling on social media for the Bharat Ratna to be awarded to Ratan Tata, a business icon and a role model for the youth of India. The Maharashtra cabinet has even proposed to the central government that Tata be honored with the Bharat Ratna. It remains to be seen whether the central government will bestow this honor on Ratan Tata in the days to come.