Emotional Homecoming: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Honored by IIT Kharagpur

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th July 2024

Sundar Pichai, the esteemed CEO of Google, experienced a heartfelt homecoming as he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from his alma mater, IIT Kharagpur. The ceremony, held in San Francisco, was marked by emotion and recognition. Notably, Anjali Pichai, Sundar’s wife, was also honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Reflecting on this significant moment in an Instagram post, Pichai expressed his gratitude: “Last week I was grateful to receive an honorary doctorate from my alma mater IIT Kharagpur. My parents always hoped I would get my doctorate, I think an honorary one still counts:).” He emphasized the pivotal role IIT Kharagpur played in his journey: “The access to education and technology at IIT put me on a path to Google and helping more people access technology. IIT’s role in technology will only grow in importance with the AI revolution, and I will always be thankful for my time there.”

The San Francisco event was graced by notable attendees, including VK Tewari, Director of IIT Kharagpur, alongside Pichai’s parents and daughter. The honorary degree was initially conferred in absentia during the institute’s 69th Convocation last December, but this special ceremony was organized to present it to Pichai in person.

Visibly moved during the ceremony, Pichai expressed his heartfelt appreciation: “This is indeed a great honor that IIT-Kharagpur has bestowed on me. I am truly blessed and humbled to receive this award… Standing with this award in my hands reminds me of the young boy that I was who dreamed to be in the world that I am trying to create with my inventions. IIT-Kharagpur holds a special place in my heart as this was the place where I first met my beloved wife, Anjali, and had beautiful memories of my second home that I grew up in.”

Pichai, who graduated from IIT Kharagpur in 1993 with a BTech in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for future collaborations with his alma mater: “I look forward to connect with IIT-Kharagpur manifesting greater technological solutions in partnership with Google. KGP ka tempo high hai!”

Anjali Pichai, who also graduated from IIT Kharagpur in 1993 with a BTech in Chemical Engineering, was recognized for her professional achievements. The ceremony was not only a testament to the couple’s individual accomplishments but also to their shared journey that began at IIT Kharagpur.

The honorary degree and Distinguished Alumnus Award highlight the significant contributions of both Sundar and Anjali Pichai in their respective fields. Their journey from the halls of IIT Kharagpur to global recognition underscores the profound impact of quality education and the opportunities it provides.

Pichai’s acknowledgment of IIT Kharagpur’s influence on his career is a reminder of the institute’s role in shaping future leaders. As he noted, the advancements in technology and the ongoing AI revolution will only amplify the importance of institutions like IIT Kharagpur. His commitment to fostering technological innovations in partnership with his alma mater signals a promising future for both Google and IIT Kharagpur.

In conclusion, the ceremony in San Francisco was more than just an award presentation; it was a celebration of dreams realized, contributions acknowledged, and a future filled with potential. Sundar Pichai’s journey from a student at IIT Kharagpur to the CEO of Google is an inspiring narrative of perseverance, gratitude, and the transformative power of education.