New Delhi:

“A man who had the courage to speak truth to power” – former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s short but powerful epitaph for industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who died aged 86.

In a heartfelt letter to Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, the Congress veteran said he was “deeply saddened” by the news and lamented the death of a “strong representative of Indian industry”.

Ratan Tata, the former prime minister said, was much more than a business icon, a sentiment that echoed the thoughts of 145 million Indians gathered in their grief today.

“He was much more than a business icon… his vision and humanity were evident in the work of several charities founded and supported throughout his life. And he had the courage to speak truth to men in power,” Manmohan Singh – branded “silent prime minister” by critics – wrote.

“I have fond memories of working closely with him on several occasions (and) take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences…May his soul rest in peace.”

The death of Ratan Tata was mourned by industrialists, political leaders across party lines and the entire nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Padma Vibhushan winner as a “visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an exceptional human being”.

READ | “Ratan Tata was a visionary business leader, extraordinary human being”: PM

“He ensured the stable leadership of one of the oldest and most renowned business houses in India. At the same time, his contribution reached beyond the boardroom. Thanks to his humility, kindness and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society, he endeared himself to several people.”

Mr Tata – two-time chairman of Tata Sons, the parent company of corporate giant Tata Group – died after a long illness. He was immediately taken to hospital on Monday, but he rejected talk of poor health.

READ | Ratan Tata: Industrialist, Philanthropist and Indian Icon

In a typically humble and unassuming social media post, Mr Tata thanked his supporters and said he was undergoing routine medical tests. “Thank you for thinking of me…” he said.

And that is exactly what the country and indeed global business leaders are doing today.

NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get latest updates from NDTV in your chat.