In a deeply emotional and significant ceremony held in San Francisco, Google CEO Sundar Pichai was honored with an honorary Doctor of Science degree by his alma mater, IIT Kharagpur. This special recognition celebrated Pichai’s remarkable career and achievements since his graduation from the prestigious institute in 1993. Alongside him, his wife, Anjali Pichai, was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award for her professional accomplishments in Chemical Engineering. The event marked a poignant homecoming for Pichai, highlighting his enduring connection to IIT Kharagpur and the impact the institution has had on his career and personal life.
The ceremony, which took place in San Francisco, was attended by notable figures, including VK Tewari, Director of IIT Kharagpur, as well as Sundar Pichai’s parents and daughter. Although IIT Kharagpur had initially conferred the honorary doctorate in absentia during its 69th Convocation last December, this special event allowed for an in-person presentation. Pichai, who graduated with a BTech in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. In an Instagram post, he reflected on his journey, noting how the access to education and technology at IIT Kharagpur was instrumental in leading him to his current role at Google. His heartfelt message also touched on his parents’ aspirations for him to earn a PhD, humorously acknowledging that an honorary degree “still counts.” Anjali Pichai, also a 1993 IIT Kharagpur graduate with a BTech in Chemical Engineering, was honored for her significant professional achievements. The recognition underscored the couple’s deep-rooted connection to their alma mater and their continued contributions to the field of technology. Sundar Pichai also expressed his eagerness to further collaborate with IIT Kharagpur, emphasizing the institute’s growing role in technological advancements, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence.
The honorary doctorate ceremony for Sundar Pichai and the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Anjali Pichai highlighted the couple’s enduring ties to IIT Kharagpur and their impressive achievements in their respective fields. Sundar Pichai’s emotional reflection on his journey from a young student at IIT to the CEO of Google illustrated the profound impact of his education and experiences at the institute. The event not only celebrated Pichai’s professional successes but also honored the pivotal role IIT Kharagpur played in shaping his career. The accolades received by both Sundar and Anjali Pichai reaffirm their deep appreciation for their alma mater and their commitment to advancing technology in partnership with the institute.
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