Google CEO Sundar Pichai, wife Anjali Pichai get top honours

from IIT Kharagpur

UPDATED: Jul 26, 2024 13:24

BY M.K.KARIKALSOZHAN Blog reporter

Google CEO Sundar Pichai gets top honours from IIT Kharagpur

### Honour for Sundar Pichai and Anjali Pichai at IIT Kharagpur Ceremony in San Francisco

Last week, an illustrious event took place in San Francisco, celebrating the achievements of Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai. Both received prestigious accolades from Sundar’s alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. Sundar Pichai, the renowned CEO of Google, was conferred an honorary doctorate, while Anjali Pichai was honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The event was a significant moment not just for the Pichai family but also for IIT Kharagpur, symbolising the institute’s immense pride in its notable alumni.

### Sundar Pichai’s Honourary Doctorate

The honorary doctorate awarded to Sundar Pichai is a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the field of technology. As the CEO of one of the world's leading tech giants, Pichai has been at the forefront of digital transformation and innovation. The Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) Award was presented to him in recognition of his efforts in making technology more affordable and accessible to the masses.

Pichai’s journey from a student in metallurgical engineering at IIT Kharagpur to the CEO of Google is nothing short of inspirational. After completing his undergraduate studies in India, he moved to the United States, where he earned a master's degree in materials science and engineering from Stanford University, followed by an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His academic journey laid the foundation for a stellar career in the tech industry.

### Anjali Pichai’s Distinguished Alumnus Award

Anjali Pichai, who also boasts an impressive academic and professional background, was recognised with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. A graduate in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, Anjali has made significant contributions in her field, which have been instrumental in her receiving this honour. Her achievements highlight the remarkable capabilities of IIT Kharagpur alumni and the diverse paths they carve out in their professional lives.

### Pichai's Reflections and Gratitude

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sundar Pichai shared his gratitude and reflections on receiving the honorary doctorate. He posted two images from the ceremony, one showing him receiving the award and the other capturing a moment with the IIT Kharagpur officials who travelled to San Francisco for the event. "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," Pichai wrote.

Pichai’s post was not just a moment of personal joy but also a tribute to the role IIT Kharagpur played in shaping his career. "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," he added. This acknowledgment underscores the significant influence that educational institutions have on the personal and professional development of their students.

### IIT Kharagpur’s Statement

According to a report by the Indian Express, IIT Kharagpur issued a statement detailing the reasons behind conferring the honorary doctorate on Sundar Pichai. The institute recognised his "contribution towards digital transformation, affordable technology and pathbreaking innovations." The statement added that President Droupadi Murmu, Visitor of the institute, had bestowed the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Pichai in absentia during the 69th Convocation of IIT-Kharagpur in December the previous year.

However, since Pichai could not attend the annual convocation, the institute decided to present the award to him later, resulting in the felicitation programme held in San Francisco on July 23. This effort by IIT Kharagpur to personally honour Pichai highlights the strong connection and pride the institute has for its distinguished alumni.

### Sundar Pichai’s Career Journey

Sundar Pichai’s career is a remarkable tale of determination, innovation, and leadership. After completing his education, Pichai started his professional journey at McKinsey & Company before joining Google in 2004. At Google, he initially worked on the Google Toolbar, which facilitated users to access the Google search engine from the Internet Explorer browser. This project was just the beginning of many significant contributions Pichai would make at Google.

Pichai’s leadership and vision were instrumental in the development and success of key Google products, including Chrome, Chrome OS, and Google Drive. His role expanded as he took on the management of Android, Google’s mobile operating system, which today powers the majority of smartphones globally.

In August 2015, Pichai was appointed CEO of Google, a position that allowed him to further drive the company’s growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Google has continued to expand its services and influence, playing a critical role in shaping the digital landscape.

### Anjali Pichai’s Contributions

Anjali Pichai, with her background in Chemical Engineering, has also made notable contributions in her professional life. Although less in the public eye compared to her husband, Anjali’s achievements and support have been integral to the Pichai family's success. Her recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus by IIT Kharagpur is a testament to her accomplishments and the impact she has made in her field.

### The Significance of the Awards

The awards presented to Sundar and Anjali Pichai by IIT Kharagpur are more than just personal accolades; they are symbols of the transformative power of education and the global impact of IIT Kharagpur’s alumni. These honours reflect the institute’s commitment to nurturing talent that can lead and innovate on a global scale.

**Sundar Pichai and Anjali Pichai Honoured by IIT Kharagpur**

In a recent event held in San Francisco, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai received honorary doctorates from their alma mater, IIT Kharagpur. Sundar Pichai shared images from the ceremony on Instagram, expressing his gratitude. IIT Kharagpur praised Pichai for his significant contributions to digital transformation.

### Conclusion

The felicitation of Sundar and Anjali Pichai by IIT Kharagpur in San Francisco was a moment of pride and reflection. It celebrated not just the achievements of the Pichais but also the pivotal role of educational institutions in shaping future leaders. Sundar Pichai’s journey from IIT Kharagpur to the helm of Google and Anjali Pichai’s notable accomplishments serve as inspirations for current and future students. The recognition they received is a reminder of the boundless possibilities that education can unlock, and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.