Ratan Tata’s Brother Jimmy Arrives in Wheelchair to Pay Last Respects

Ratan Tata’s Brother Jimmy Arrives in Wheelchair to Pay Last Respects: A Quiet Tribute to an Icon As India grieves the passing of legendary business magnate Ratan Tata, his ailing…

By Sudeshna Ghosh

October 10, 2024

3 min read

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Ratan Tata’s Brother Jimmy Arrives in Wheelchair to Pay Last Respects: A Quiet Tribute to an Icon

As India grieves the passing of legendary business magnate Ratan Tata, his ailing brother Jimmy Naval Tata made a poignant appearance, arriving in a wheelchair to pay his final respects at the NCPA Lawns in Mumbai.

Ratan Tata’s Brother Jimmy Arrives in Wheelchair to Pay Last Respects: A Quiet Tribute to an Icon

On Thursday, the somber video of Jimmy Tata, donning a face mask, quietly making his way to the last rites of his brother, surfaced on social media. The nation mourns the loss of the 86-year-old industrialist, who passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness. Admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital just days earlier due to a sudden drop in blood pressure, Ratan Tata’s condition deteriorated, leading to his passing in the ICU.

Ratan and Jimmy Tata, born into a Parsi Zoroastrian family to Naval and Soonoo Tata, were raised by their grandmother, Navajbai R Tata, in Tata Palace, a grand baroque estate in downtown Mumbai. While Ratan Tata went on to become one of India’s most respected business icons, Jimmy led a quieter, more private life, largely out of the public eye.

Despite his low profile, Jimmy Tata holds substantial shares in Tata Group companies, including Tata Sons, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, and TCS. However, he continues to live a modest life in a two-bedroom apartment in Mumbai’s Colaba.

In 2022, Harsh Goenka, Chairperson of RPG Enterprises, drew attention to Jimmy’s unassuming lifestyle through a social media post. Goenka shared an anecdote about Jimmy’s remarkable squash skills and his humble demeanor, describing him as living a quiet life, detached from the business limelight.

Ratan Tata’s Last Rites with Full State Honours

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that Ratan Tata’s final rites would be conducted with full state honours. His body was laid in state at the NCPA, allowing the public to pay their last respects to the man who helped shape modern India.

In a symbolic gesture of national recognition, the Maharashtra cabinet passed a resolution on Thursday, urging the central government to confer the ‘Bharat Ratna,’ India’s highest civilian award, on the late Ratan Tata, further immortalizing his contributions to the nation.

FAQs

Who is Jimmy Naval Tata?

Jimmy Naval Tata is the younger brother of Ratan Tata. He has lived a quiet life away from the public eye, despite holding significant shares in Tata Group companies.

What were Ratan Tata’s contributions to India?

Ratan Tata, former Chairman of Tata Sons, is celebrated for his leadership of the Tata Group and his contributions to Indian industry and philanthropy. He was a key figure in expanding the conglomerate’s global footprint.

Where did the last rites for Ratan Tata take place?

The last rites were held at the NCPA Lawns in Mumbai, where his brother Jimmy Naval Tata paid his final respects. Ratan Tata’s funeral was conducted with full state honours.