Ratan Tata Tribute Sparks Backlash: Checkout Vijay Shekhar Sharma's Deleted Controversial Post

In a wave of tributes from Indian tech leaders following the passing of Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group, Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma found himself at the centre of criticism for his farewell post.

Tata, who passed away at age 86, is celebrated as a visionary and a humble icon in the Indian industry, inspiring countless entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Photo Credit: X

Vijay Shekhar Sharma Faces Backlash

Figures from India's tech world, including Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, People Group CEO Anupam Mittal, former Xiaomi CEO Manu Kumar Jain, and former BharatPe CEO Ashneer Grover, shared heartfelt messages of respect for the industrialist's extraordinary legacy.

However, while most tributes were well-received, Sharma's tribute included the line "Ok Tata Bye Bye," which many on social media found disrespectful. Facing significant backlash, Sharma chose to delete his post, yet a screenshot of his message quickly went viral after being shared on X by user Shivam Sourav Jha.

In his original post, Sharma wrote, "A legend who will inspire every generation. Entrepreneurs of the next generation will miss interacting with the most humble businessman of India. Salutes, Sir. Ok Tata Bye Bye." This final line sparked strong criticism, with some users suggesting it was insensitively worded.

Meanwhile, Tata's farewell was marked with dignity and respect. The final rites were held with full state honours at a Mumbai crematorium, attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is abroad for the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits.

Modi paid tribute to Tata, calling him "an extraordinary human being" and a guiding figure for India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also attended the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, Tata's body was laid in state at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Nariman Point before being transported to the crematorium in Worli. The Maharashtra government declared a day of mourning to honor Tata's unparalleled contributions to India, his simplicity, and his service to society.