The nation mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed businessmen and philanthropists, Ratan Tata, who passed away on the night of October 9 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His last rites were held on Thursday, with numerous prominent figures from across the globe attending to pay their respects. Ratan Tata was known for having donated more than half of his wealth to charitable causes. His deep affection for animals and his concern for the nation’s progress were evident throughout his life. A visionary leader, Tata was instrumental in expanding the Tata Group internationally and launching renowned companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). His innovative spirit won the hearts of millions with the introduction of the affordable Nano car, and his support during the pandemic, where he generously donated to relief efforts.
Ratan Tata’s remarkable achievements and contributions might never have happened if not for a significant turn of events that brought him back to India. He was born on December 28, 1937, to Naval and Sooni Tata. After his parents separated, he and his younger brother, Jimmy, were raised by their grandmother, Navajbai Tata. At 17, Ratan ventured to the United States to pursue his higher education at Cornell University, where he spent seven formative years. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree, a period that greatly influenced his outlook on life. Immersed in California’s vibrant culture, Ratan considered settling in Los Angeles. However, life took a different turn when he was called back to India, a decision largely influenced by his deep bond with his grandmother, altering the course of his destiny.
In an interview, Tata revealed a story about how a message from his grandmother changed the course of his life. He shared that he had no intention of returning to India after completing his studies in architecture and structural engineering in the U.S., and was happily working there.
During an old interview with Simi Grewal, Ratan Tata mentioned that after graduation, he was working as an architect and structural engineer in America. When asked why he came back to India, he explained that it was because of his grandmother, Navajbai Sett. Tata said that he had a deep bond with her, especially since she had raised him and his brother after his parents’ divorce. His grandmother had asked him to return, and out of love and respect for her, he came back to India. Tata added that had it not been for her request, he would have likely continued his life and career in the U.S.
In another interview in 2000 with senior journalist Karan Thapar on the BBC’s Face-To-Face (FTF) show, Ratan Tata recounted how he left everything behind in Los Angeles to return to India at his grandmother’s request. “I love America and still do. I feel very much at home there. I had a good job, an exciting job in a city I loved, Los Angeles. Yes I had no intention to come back,” said Ratan Tata in an interview with BBC.
“So what brought you back?” asked veteran journalist Karan Thapar.
“My grandmother brought me back, she was old, she was ailing and she wanted to see me again and she appealed to me. In those days, even telephone calls were hard, you know you had to book a call and they weren’t an everyday thing and she appealed to me and it touched me so I went back,” Ratan Tata responded.
