On October 9, 2024, India commemorated the one-year anniversary of the passing of Ratan Tata, the esteemed Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, who died at the age of 86. His death marked a significant loss for India Inc., acknowledging his decades of profound contributions to the nation's corporate success and unwavering dedication to making India better through both technological advancements and extensive philanthropy. A year later, the void left by his absence is still keenly felt across the country.

Despite his monumental public life, Ratan Tata famously never married. In a heartfelt throwback interview with Humans of Bombay in 2020, he openly shared the personal story behind this decision. After completing his studies at Cornell University in the US, he embarked on a professional journey at an architecture firm in Los Angeles. During this period, he experienced a vibrant life, enjoying the beautiful weather, owning a car, and loving his job. It was in Los Angeles that he fell deeply in love and came very close to getting married.

However, fate intervened when Ratan Tata received news that his grandmother, who he described as his pillar of support, was not well. He felt compelled to return to India to be with her, having been away for nearly seven years. He had hoped that his beloved would join him in India, but the geopolitical climate of the time, specifically the 1962 Indo-China war, made her parents reluctant to allow her to make the move. Consequently, the relationship ended, preventing his marriage.

Ratan Tata frequently spoke of his profound connection with his grandmother. She was a constant source of strength and guidance, especially during challenging times such as his parents' divorce when he faced bullying. She instilled in him the invaluable lesson of retaining dignity at all costs, a principle that guided his actions throughout his life. This teaching encouraged him to walk away from confrontational situations rather than engage in fights.

His grandmother's influence extended significantly to his educational and career choices. He recounted instances where his father's preferences clashed with his own aspirations. For example, he wanted to learn the violin, but his father insisted on the piano. He desired to attend college in the US, while his father pushed for the UK. Most notably, he aspired to be an architect, a path his father opposed in favor of engineering. It was through his grandmother's unwavering support that he was able to pursue his true calling. Although he initially enrolled for mechanical engineering, he courageously switched majors at Cornell University, graduating with a degree in architecture. Despite the rancor and upset from his father, his grandmother's quiet strength and encouragement taught him that courage could also be soft and dignified, allowing him to become his own independent person.