Sanat Moningi Memorial Scholarship

Sanat was defined by his enthusiasm, openness, and persistence. He approached life with wholehearted energy—welcoming others in, embracing new experiences, and moving forward with determination and joy. Friends described him as deeply hospitable and generous, always eager to share his favorite parts of life with those around him. Whether offering a place to stay, helping someone feel at home in a new city, or showing up with honesty and care, Sanat embodied the qualities of a true friend. He is fondly remembered for his most enduring traits, which were reflected in his personality, behavior, and moral character:

Sanat was genuine. When speaking and getting to know Sanat, people felt that they were talking to a real person. Friends felt safe being vulnerable around Sanat and sharing their true self. He consistently invested in his friendships with both kind words and actions. He was always happy to invite people in from a variety of backgrounds.

Sanat was loyal. When friends invested into the relationship, Sanat reciprocated their efforts. He showed up and supported his friends, even when it was inconvenient for him, so that they never felt alone in whatever they were facing; he always told the truth, with sensitivity and awareness; and he was considerate without being prompted, remembering small things and acting on them, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other events.

Sanat was caring. Throughout his life, Sanat’s actions actively worked to make people’s lives better. As a child, Sanat worried about other children he witnessed who did not have adequate clothing; without being asked, he chose to donate his shirt and shoes, even though Sanat was a child himself. At Georgia Tech, he expanded his impact by seeking philanthropy leadership roles. For instance, as philanthropy chair of Chi Phi, Sanat helped fraternity members become involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. After Georgia Tech, Sanat created his own organizations, where he could use his knowledge in computer science to make the greatest impact. While working in San Francisco, he co-founded the Data Science Working Group within the nonprofit Code for San Francisco; the group worked on issues such as improving energy efficiency and housing approvals for the city. He also co-founded Voterly, a nonprofit that provided data services to local political campaigns.

Sanat received many awards for his actions, but it was his actions when no one was watching that showed his motivation was purely altruistic. In one memorable instance, Sanat and a friend (who was also a member of Chi Phi) saw a homeless man on the street in front of the North Ave dining hall at Georgia Tech; without prompting, Sanat went inside the dining hall and brought out some food to give to the homeless man. Sanat did not care about winning awards and recognition; he was a good person that truly cared about others. Ironically, however, for his display of pure altruism, he was nominated by his friend and won the “Chi Phi Brother of the Week” award.

Sanat was selfless. He would give of himself without expecting anything in return, and that is the definition of true love. Sanat loved his family and friends, he loved helping people, and he loved the world.

These traits made Sanat not only vibrant and engaging, but also someone whose spirit lifted others. His warmth, curiosity, and sincerity created lasting connections and unforgettable memories.

In honor of these values, a scholarship has been established in Sanat’s name to support students who embody his spirit—those who approach life with passion, welcome others openly, and commit fully to their goals. Through this scholarship, Sanat’s legacy continues in the lives of those who reflect the heart of who he was.