Political and business leaders as well as celebrities and foreign diplomats have paid tributes to Ratan Tata, the former Tata Group and Tata Sons chairman who passed away on Wednesday.

Maharashtra declared a day of mourning on Thursday, the day of his funeral in Mumbai.

President Droupadi Murmu tweeted: “In the sad demise of Shri Ratan Tata, India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence.

“He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted three tweets, saying: “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better.

“One of the most unique aspects of Shri Ratan Tata Ji was his passion towards dreaming big and giving back. He was at the forefront of championing causes like education, healthcare, sanitation, animal welfare to name a few.

“My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour.”

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrote to Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran, saying: “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ratan Tata ji, a stalwart of Indian Industry. He was much more than a business icon, his vision and humanity demonstrated in the work of several charities founded and nurtured during his life. He was having the courage of speaking the truth to the men in power. I have fond memories of working very closely with him on several occasions.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted: “In the passing away of Shri Ratan Naval Tata, we have lost an invaluable son of India. A philanthropist par excellence whose commitment to India’s inclusive growth and development remained paramount, Shri Tata was synonymous with unequivocal integrity and ethical leadership. He was an inspiration and an icon for millions of people and richly contributed to nation building.”

Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, whose land agitation as Opposition leader in 2006-08 had forced Tata Motors to abort its Nano project in Singur, tweeted: “The former Chairman of Tata Group had been a foremost leader of Indian industries and a public-spirited philanthropist. His demise will be an irreparable loss for Indian business world and society.”

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra, tweeted: “India’s economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward. And Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. Hence, his mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable.

“With him gone, all we can do is to commit to emulating his example. Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community.”

Adani group chairman Gautam Adani tweeted: “Ratan Tata wasn’t just a business leader — he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.”

Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal tweeted: “He leaves behind an astronomical imprint on the Indian industry, philanthropy and the perennial zest to better the world we live in. A true nation builder, his legacy in the growth of the country will forever inspire entrepreneurs and all Indians alike.”

Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “I was fortunate to spend time with him, but millions, who have never met him, feel the same grief that I feel today. Such is his impact.

“From his love for animals to philanthropy, he showed that true progress can only be achieved when we care for those who don’t have the means to take care of themselves.”

Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: “An era has ended.. a most respected, humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve.. Spent some wonderful moments with him, during several Campaigns we were involved in together.”

Kamal Haasan tweeted: “Ratan Tata Ji was a personal hero of mine, someone I’ve tried to emulate throughout my life. A national treasure whose contributions in nation-building shall forever be etched in the story of modern India.

“His true richness lay not in material wealth but in his ethics, integrity, humility and patriotism. In the immediate aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, I met him while staying at the iconic Taj Hotel. In that moment of national crisis, the titan stood tall and became the embodiment of the Indian spirit, to rebuild and emerge stronger as a nation.”

Singapore high commissioner Simon Wong tweeted: “It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Mr Ratan Tata. A visionary man way ahead of his time. Mr Tata will be sorely missed — not only as the first Indian to become an Honorary Citizen of Singapore — but also as a global icon.”

The Iranian embassy tweeted: “We are deeply saddened by the news of demise of #RatanTataSir . He was not just a visionary industrialist but a symbol of kindness. The Embassy of Iran in India expresses its condolences and sympathy to the people of India & Parsis community.”