'From Harry's to B308': Google CEO Sundar Pichai Relives IIT Kharagpur Days on 75th Milestone
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Recalling late-night study sessions, hostel meals, and meeting his wife Anjali, Google CEO Sundar Pichai delivered a special video message to mark the 75th anniversary of his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
Pichai credited the institute for setting him on a path towards leading Google and Alphabet, while outlining his vision for artificial intelligence to drive India’s next wave of global innovation.
"I have many happy memories as a student: from the meals at Harry's to the Illu festival, to the night studying in B308, to the friendships forged with wingmates, and to the professors who made a lasting impression," Pichai said. "Campus is where I met my wife Anjali, where I first learned to program, and where I had my very first few opportunities to use a computer, carrying floppy disks around campus."
From B308 to Silicon Valley
Pichai emphasised that his time at IIT Kharagpur shaped his global outlook, describing the education provided by the university as a "gift" that has empowered alumni to drive change in India and globally.
"These moments shape the course of my life, putting me on a path to Google, and to help bring technology to as many people as possible," he said, adding that the institute played a formative role in shaping his approach to technology.
Responding to the message, IIT Kharagpur stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Pichai's reflections highlight the enduring reach of the IIT ecosystem and the power of higher education in transforming lives.
Democratising AI Over the Next Five Years
Looking ahead, Pichai mapped out a five-year projection for artificial intelligence, predicting its migration out of research labs and early-adopter circles into everyday hands.
He noted that AI will increasingly assist professionals across sectors, directly benefiting healthcare workers, government officials, farmers, developers, and entrepreneurs. "We are building AI so that it can help all of us do our work at the next level and do it in a more fulfilling way," Pichai said.
He also stressed that educational institutions must play a core role in ensuring AI tools remain useful across society.
Driven by India's Youth
Pichai highlighted that students are at the forefront of this technological shift, pointing to India's ambitious new generation capable of reimagining local and global solutions.
Recalling his interactions with Gemini Student Ambassadors at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi earlier this year, he noted that their passion for leveraging technology to improve lives reinforced his optimism for the future.
