‘Bharat Ratna For Ratan Tata’ Petition Garners Over Two Lakh Signatures

A petition started by a user on change.org to confer Bharat Ratna on industrialist Ratan Tata, has garnered over two lakh supporters, and counting! As per the petition, Ratan Tata has been a shining example of humility and philanthropy and has supported and established a number of research, educational and cultural institutes in India. The petition, which was started over a week ago days ago, has also listed down the research institutes established by the Tata Group, and the philanthropic work undertaken by the group under Tata’s leadership. 

Tata Trusts – the philanthropic arm of the Tata group, and Tata Sons – the Group’s holding company, have collectively pledged Rs. 1,500 crores to fight the COVID-19 Pandemic. On March 28, 2020, Ratan Tata tweeted, “The COVID-19 crisis is one of the toughest challenges we will face as a race. The Tata Trusts and the Tata group companies have in the past risen to the needs of the nation. At this moment, the need of the hour is greater than any other time.” 

The funds donated, as per the tweet, will be used for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical personnel on the frontline, respiratory systems for treating increasing cases, testing kits to increase per capita testing, setting up modular treatment facilities for infected patients, knowledge management and training of health workers and the general public, the company statement said.

In addition to this petition, there are about six similar petitions rooting for Ratan Tata to be conferred the nation’s greatest honour – the Bharat Ratna. And there are at least a dozen other petitions asking him to be made the President of India! JRD Tata, who was the , was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1992. He was succeeded by Ratan Tata.