Reacting to a social media campaign that was started on Friday demanding Ratan Tata to be conferred with Bharat Ratna, which is the highest civilian award, Mr Tata on Saturday has urged people to discontinue the campaign. Instead, he said he was happy being an Indian and would continue to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the country.
"While I appreciate the sentiments expressed by a section of the social media in terms of an award, I would humbly like to request that such campaigns be discontinued. Instead, I consider myself fortunate to be an Indian and to try and contribute to India's growth and prosperity," Mr Tata tweeted today in response to #BharatRatnaForRatanTata campaign on the social media platform.
While I appreciate the sentiments expressed by a section of the social media in terms of an award, I would humbly like to request that such campaigns be discontinued.
— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) February 6, 2021
Instead, I consider myself fortunate to be an Indian and to try and contribute to India’s growth and prosperity pic.twitter.com/CzEimjJPp5
The hashtag #BharatRatnaForRatanTata on Twitter was started after a motivational speaker and Business coach Dr Vivek Bhindra yesterday tweeted about the campaign to confer the highest civilian award to Ratan Tata for the tireless work he has been doing for the people of this country.
Ratan Tata believes today`s generation of entrepreneurs can take India to next level. We confer the country`s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna for @RNTata2000
— Dr. Vivek Bindra (@DrVivekBindra) February 5, 2021
Join us in our campaign #BharatRatnaForRatanTata #RequestByDrVivekBindra@PMOIndia @rashtrapatibhvn @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/U3Wr3aMxJh
Soon the hashtag was trending as Twetteratis extended their support to the trend and urged the government to honour Ratan Tata with the award.
A Twitter user said, “he is the real hero and really deserves the award”, while another wrote that his contribution to the nation will always remain “unmatched and unparallel”.
Also Read: ‘Bharat Ratna for Ratan Tata’, Twitterati launch new campaign
Ratan Tata had received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in 2000 and 2008 respectively and has been a recipient of many notable recognitions. After retiring as the chairman of Tata Sons in 2012 has been actively involved in encouraging young entrepreneurs, investing in startups and doing social work.
Ratan Tata had contributed ₹ 500 crores from Tata Trusts, the parent company of Tata Motors, to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. Mr Tata said the funds will be used for personal protective equipment for medical personnel, respiratory systems, testing kits and setting up modular treatment facilities for patients, among others, Mr Tata had said.