New Delhi, Dec 3, 2022: India is a part of me and I carry it with me wherever I go,” said Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, as he received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from the Indian envoy to the US.
Indian ambassador Taranjit S. Sandhu handed over the Padma Bhushan for 2022 in the Trade and Industry category to Indian-American Pichai. The Madurai-born Pichai had been named one of the 17 awardees earlier this year.
On Friday, he received India’s third-highest civilian honour while surrounded by his close family members. “I am deeply grateful to the Indian government and the people of India for this immense honour. It is incredibly meaningful to be honoured in this way by the country that shaped me,” said 50-year-old Pichai said while accepting the honour.
“I was fortunate to grow up in a family that cherished learning and knowledge, with parents who sacrificed a lot to make sure I had opportunities to explore my interests,” Pichai added.
Indian ambassador Sandhu said that Pichai represented the limitless possibilities of technology for transformation. “He has been making commendable efforts towards making digital tools, and skills accessible to across various segments of the society in different parts of the globe,” he noted.
On India assuming the G20 presidency from Indonesia, Pichai said, “It’s an amazing opportunity to build consensus on strengthening the global economy by advancing an internet that is open, connected, secure, and works for everyone. That’s a goal we share, and are committed to advancing with you.”
India formally assumed the G20 Presidency on Thursday.
