Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, on Saturday requested netizens to discontinue a campaign to confer the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, to him, saying that he was instead happy to be able to contribute to India's growth and prosperity.
"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.
Motivational Speaker Dr. Vivek Bindra first tweeted that Ratan Tata should be given Bharat Ratna. Then #BharatRatnaForRatanTata hashtag started trending on Twitter.
Some Twitter users also recalled the time when Mr Tata displayed the characteristics of a true leader during the 26/11 terrorist attacks, in which his hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, was one of the targets.
In January, a picture of the Mumbai-based industrialist visiting an ailing former employee had circulated on social media, drawing rich praise for Mr Tata's compassionate gesture.