“India is part of me and I take it with me wherever I go,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, as he accepted the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from the Indian envoy. Degree in the United States.
Indian-American Pichai was awarded the Padma Bhushan for 2022 in the Commerce and Industry category. Madurai-born Pichai was named one of 17 awardees earlier this year.
He received India’s third highest civilian award in the presence of close members of his family in San Francisco on Friday.
“I am extremely grateful to the government of India and the people of India for this great honor. It means a lot to be honored in this way because of the country that has shaped me,” said Pichai, 50, as he accepted the award from India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
“India is a part of me. I take it with me wherever I go. (Unlike this beautiful award that I’ll keep in a safe place),” he said.
Pichai said: “I was fortunate to grow up in a family that loved learning and knowledge, with my parents making great sacrifices to ensure I had the opportunity to explore my interests.
The Consul General of India in San Francisco, TV Nagendra Prasad, was also present at the event.
Sandhu says that Pichai represents the limitless transformative potential of technology.
“He has made commendable efforts in making digital tools and skills accessible to many segments of society in different regions of the globe,” he said. .
Summon the Prime Minister by Narendra Modi vision of technology that combines 3S – speed, simplicity and service, Sandhu hopes that Google will take full advantage of the digital revolution taking place in India.
Pichai says it’s amazing to go back to India many times over the years to witness the rapid pace of technological change.
He said the innovations created in India are benefiting people around the world – from digital payments to voice technology.
“I look forward to continuing the great partnership between Google and India, as we work together to bring the benefits of technology to more people,” he said.
Pichai said businesses are seizing the opportunity to digitally transform, and more people are accessing the internet than ever before, even in rural villages.
“Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Digital India is certainly driving that progress, and I am proud that Google continues to invest in India, partnering with governments, businesses and communities in two decades of transformation”.
“Every new technology that comes to our doorstep makes our lives better. And that experience brought me to Google and the opportunity to help build technology that improves people’s lives. around the world,” he said.
Pichai said he sees a lot of opportunities ahead.
About the Indian takeover G20 President, Pichai said: “This is a great opportunity to build consensus on strengthening the global economy by promoting an open, connected, secure and functioning internet for all. It’s a goal we share and are committed to advancing together with you.” India officially assumed the G20 Presidency on Thursday.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to do this together and bring the benefits of technology to more people,” Pichai said.
Google this year added 24 new languages to its translation service using a new advancement in machine learning. Eight of them are languages of Indian origin.
“It makes sense to see how people can access information and knowledge in their preferred language, and see the world open to them in new ways. That’s why I keep going. continue to be optimistic about technology and why I believe India can and must continue to lead,” he added.
