Silicon Valley exec says he ‘wouldn’t be here’ without Ratan Tata: ‘He even paid for my flight ticke.

A Silicon Valley executive has shared a touching tribute to Ratan Tata, saying he “wouldn’t be here” had it not been for the billionaire philanthropist. Arnav Sahu, a Principal at Y Combinator, said it was Ratan Tata’s scholarship programme that allowed him to study in the United States and build a career in the land of opportunity. Sahu is one of several students who pursued higher education at Ratan Tata’s alma mater, Cornell University, thanks to the philanthropist’s scholarship programme.

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, died at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Wednesday night. He was 86. Noted as much for his humanity and philanthropy as for his business acumen, Tata’s death has left a legion of fans heartbroken.

Several people whose lives he touched in ways big and small shared tributes to the industrialist after his death. Among them was Arnav Sahu, a beneficiary of Ratan Tata’s Tata Scholarship Fund which supports Indian students at his alma mater, Cornell University.

“This is a really sad moment for me. Ratan Tata's scholarship program allowed me to come to the US. He even paid for my flight ticket, laptop, books and rent,” Sahu wrote on X. “Many of us wouldn't be here without him. One of the most important philanthropists of all time. RIP,” he added.