Ratan Tata, ‘Great Son of India’, Mentored Akash Ambani: Nita Ambani Spoke in Homage

At Reliance Industries' annual Diwali celebration, Nita Ambani paid tribute to Ratan Tata, the iconic industrialist and "great son of India". She revealed that Tata was not just a "dear friend" of the family but also a mentor to her son Akash Ambani.

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, died late on Wednesday night, October 9, following a brief illness. He was 86.

In her statement, Nita Ambani stated that the death of Tata has caused widespread anguish. "We lost a great son of India four days ago." The death of Mr Ratan Tata caused us all great anguish."

Nita described the industrialist's friendship with the Ambani family, saying, "He was a close friend of my father-in-law (Dhirubhai Ambani), Mukesh (Ambani), and our family. He was also a mentor to Akash (Ambani).

Ratan Tata was also referred to as a "visionary industrialist and philanthropist who always strove for society's greater good." The address closed with a minute of quiet, observed by the Ambani family, Reliance's leadership, and the thousands of employees in attendance.

Netizens reacted to Nita Ambani's speech:

The remarks caused a new wave of grief to netizens who were already devastated by the icon's passing. They described Nita's tribute as a "timeless gesture" and stated, "Sir Ratan Tata is always alive in our hearts."

Several "RIP" comments for Ratan Tata also flooded in.

Mukesh Ambani described the death of his "dear friend" Ratan Tata as a very sad day for India and India Inc.

"Ratan Tata's death is a huge loss, not just for the Tata Group, but for every Indian," Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director stated in a statement.

Mukesh Ambani expressed genuine anguish over Ratan Tata's death, stating that he had lost a beloved friend. "Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied."