If my son is a chef in Hawaii

“If my son is a chef in Hawaii, I want him to be the best chef Hawaii has seen. Excellence in a field is what one should desire. Success will follow”.

These were Preetish’s words as we walked on the streets of Palo Alto discussing my career, his love for cricket, politics, and his amazing journey at Akamai and Cervin.

I am SO shocked and saddened by the news of his sudden death. I’m unable to lift myself up and go to work.

We first met at the MIT India conference in 2019. I entered the restroom after him so I could get his attention. As funny as he was, he said, ‘Arre bhai halka toh hone de’.

I decided then and there, this will be my mentor. He was an intellectual, a listener, an observer, and most importantly, a long-term thinker who had his head on his shoulders despite all his successes.

I remember how he stopped and spoke to random entrepreneurs in the streets of Palo Alto, and how he left them inspired in a few minutes.

He was unfiltered and bold in his views, and that’s why I looked up to him. Life isn’t about valuations and wealth, it’s about stories. Stories that you leave behind, that leave a mark on others. Preetish surely left some beautifully impactful stories behind.

I wish his family peace and strength in these tough times. And I also hope, people like I, whose life Preetish touched, will continue to pass it forward.

For now, I’m sure we are all mourning the loss of a great entrepreneur, friend, and mentor.