Did you know the British government had conferred the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), one of the country's highest civilian honours, to Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons who passed away on Wednesday?
Was it a unique feat in the highly illustrous career of the Indian titan? Yes, because Ratan Tata was the first Indian to receive the Knight Grand Cross since India became a Republic in 1950.
FULL REPORT | End of an era: Ratan Tata passes away in Mumbai aged 86
It was in 2014 that Queen Elizabeth bestowed the Knight Grand Cross award to Ratan Tata "in recognition for the work the Tata Group is doing in the country" and "for services to England/India relations, inward investment to England and philanthropy." The iconic industrialist was 76 years old back then. He was selected alongside four other dignitaries considering their services to economic and cultural ties with the UK.
Also called the 'Dame', the cabinet office website of the UK government identified the Knight Grand Cross as "the highest class in many of the Orders."
"I am deeply touched and feel greatly honoured to receive the recognition so graciously bestowed on me by Her Majesty. It has been a privilege to endeavor to have our enterprises contribute positively to the growth and standing of the United Kingdom," Ratan Tata had said in a statement after the award was conferred.
“I am also deeply appreciative of the support we have always received personally from Mr David Cameron and his government, through good and bad times. This support and faith have been of immeasurable value throughout.
“But none of what we have been able to achieve could ever have been possible without the unflinching trust, commitment and dedication of the people within our enterprises in the UK. I admittedly have been most closely associated with Jaguar Land Rover where I have witnessed at close quarters the tremendous leadership and the impressive spirit of the workforce working together to achieve the goal we have set – ‘to restore these two venerable English brands to their earlier glory.’ To all these wonderful people, I owe my most grateful thanks," he further said.
In 2009, Queen Elizabeth II conferred on Tata another award -- the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Ratan Tata passes away aged 86
Tata Group's chairman emeritus Ratan Tata died at a Mumbai hospital late on Wednesday night. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan, he breathed his last at south Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital where he was undergoing treatment for the past few days. Earlier in the week on Monday, Tata, known for his philanthropy besides being a respected industry leader, had asserted that there was no cause for concern regarding his health and that he was undergoing check-ups for age-related medical conditions amid reports of his admission in a hospital.
