Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma Faces Backlash Over Ratan Tata Tribute, Deletes Controversial Post

Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma found himself at the center of controversy after posting a tribute to the late Ratan Tata, who passed away at 86. Sharma’s original post, meant to honor the industrialist, contained a closing line that many users found inappropriate: “Ok Tata Bye Bye.” This phrase, often associated with casual goodbyes in India, was criticized as flippant and disrespectful, considering the stature of Ratan Tata, a man revered for his contributions to Indian industry and philanthropy.

The post quickly garnered negative reactions from social media users, prompting Sharma to delete it. Despite the deletion, screenshots of the post circulated widely, further fueling the criticism. Many users expressed their disappointment, with some speculating that the post may have been hastily written. One user commented, “In very bad taste. No need to mock like this @vijayshekhar,” while another stated, “Last line not appropriate…We lost an incredible person, Ratan Sir. Rest in peace.”

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Ratan Tata’s Legacy and Impact on Indian Industry

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 86. His death marks the end of an era in Indian business. Under his leadership, Tata Group grew into a global conglomerate, acquiring internationally renowned companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel. After his retirement, Tata became an advocate for the Indian startup ecosystem, making strategic investments in over 50 startups, including Paytm, Ola, Lenskart, and CarDekho.

His death has led to an outpouring of grief from business leaders, politicians, and the general public alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Tata as a “visionary business leader and a compassionate soul.” Other prominent figures like Gautam Adani, Anand Mahindra, and Sundar Pichai also paid their respects.

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A Hasty Post Sparks Outrage

Sharma’s original tribute read: “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.” The casual tone of the last phrase, “Ok Tata Bye Bye,” stood in stark contrast to the formality of tributes shared by other tech leaders, sparking widespread backlash on social media.

Screenshots of the now-deleted post went viral, with users questioning the intent and professionalism of the tribute. Some speculated that Sharma may not have personally written the post, while others accused him of being insensitive. “Intern se likhwaya hoga,” one user sarcastically commented, implying that the post may have been drafted carelessly by a subordinate.

In response to the outrage, Sharma took down the post and issued a revised statement on X (formerly known as Twitter). His updated tribute read, “RNT for me was the most humbling business leader of India. Future generations of business leaders will miss his generous interactions and kindness. Salutes Sir. You will live in our hearts forever.” This version was much better received, though the damage from the original post had already been done.

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Tributes from Other Business Leaders

While Sharma’s tribute became the focal point of controversy, other tributes to Ratan Tata were widely appreciated. Leading figures from India’s tech ecosystem, including Bhavish Aggarwal (CEO of Ola), Anupam Mittal (CEO of People Group), Manu Kumar Jain (former CEO of Xiaomi India), and Ashneer Grover (former CEO of BharatPe), shared heartfelt messages praising Tata’s humility, vision, and support for the startup community.

Bhavish Aggarwal, in his tribute, highlighted how Tata had personally encouraged him during Ola’s early years, calling him a “pillar of support.” Anupam Mittal echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Tata’s contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape of India. These tributes were welcomed by social media users, offering a stark contrast to the reaction that Sharma received.

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The Viral Nature of Social Media Criticism

Social media has proven to be a double-edged sword for public figures, offering both a platform to express thoughts and a space where missteps are quickly magnified. In the case of Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the viral spread of his controversial post is a testament to the influence of social media in shaping public opinion. Despite issuing a revised statement, the damage from the initial backlash was already done, with Sharma’s name trending online for all the wrong reasons.

Screenshots of his deleted post were shared by prominent users, including Shivam Sourav Jha, whose post featuring the screenshot garnered thousands of likes and comments. As the criticism mounted, Sharma found himself in a difficult position, trying to control the narrative after the controversy spiraled out of control.

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Ratan Tata’s Funeral: A Dignified Farewell

Amidst the controversy surrounding Sharma’s post, Ratan Tata was given a dignified farewell. His final rites were held in Mumbai with full state honors, and his body was draped in the national flag. The ceremony was attended by key political figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who could not attend the funeral due to prior engagements, paid tribute to Tata in a heartfelt message, describing him as “an extraordinary human being.”

The government of Maharashtra declared a day of mourning in honor of Tata, a reflection of his impact on both the business world and Indian society at large. His legacy of philanthropy, business acumen, and humility will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and leaders.