Google CEO Sundar Pichai Honored with Honorary Doctorate from IIT-Kharagpur

In a momentous occasion that bridged Silicon Valley and the prestigious halls of Indian academia, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai were honored by their alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The ceremony, held in San Francisco, marked a significant milestone in the couple’s already illustrious careers and underscored the global impact of India’s premier technological institutes.

Sundar Pichai: From IIT to Google’s Helm

The Conferral of Honorary Doctorate

Sundar Pichai was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree, a recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of technology and his leadership at one of the world’s most influential companies. This honorary doctorate represents a full-circle moment for Pichai, who completed his B.Tech in metallurgical and materials engineering from IIT Kharagpur before embarking on his journey to the United States.

A Dream Fulfilled

In a heartwarming Instagram post following the ceremony, Pichai shared, “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.” This sentiment not only reflects the personal significance of the award but also highlights the deep-rooted aspirations and expectations in Indian families regarding higher education.

Anjali Pichai: Recognized for Excellence in Chemical Engineering

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Alongside her husband, Anjali Pichai received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for her achievements in Chemical Engineering. A graduate of the 1993 batch, Anjali completed her BTech with honors from IIT-Kharagpur, showcasing the institute’s legacy of producing exceptional talent across various engineering disciplines.

The Journey from IIT to Global Leadership

Educational Pursuits

After IIT, Sundar Pichai’s academic journey continued with an M.S. in Engineering and Materials Science from Stanford University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. During his time at Wharton, Pichai was honored as a Siebel Scholar and a Palmer Scholar, early recognitions of his exceptional abilities.

Professional Ascent

Pichai’s professional career began at McKinsey before he joined Google in 2004. At Google, he quickly distinguished himself by leading product management and innovation for several key products, including:

• Chrome
• Chrome OS
• Google Drive
• Google Maps

In 2013, Pichai took on the management of Android, further cementing his crucial role in the company. His exemplary leadership and vision led to his appointment as CEO of Google in August 2015, a position he has held with distinction, overseeing the company’s expansion and innovation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

A Ceremony of Significance

The award ceremony in San Francisco was attended by notable figures, including:

• VK Tewari, Director of IIT Kharagpur
• Sundar Pichai’s parents
• The Pichais’ daughter

This gathering of family, academia, and industry leaders underscored the global reach and impact of IIT Kharagpur’s alumni network.

The IIT Legacy: Nurturing Global Leaders

The recognition of Sundar and Anjali Pichai by IIT Kharagpur highlights the institute’s role in shaping some of the world’s most influential leaders in technology and business. It also serves as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved with the foundation provided by India’s premier technological institutes.