“India is a part of me,” Sunday Pichai stated after receiving Padma Bhushan award from Indian envoy in US.

Washington:

“India is a part of me and I carry it with me wherever I go,” Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has stated, as he obtained the celebrated Padma Bhushan award from the Indian envoy to the US.

Indian-American Mr Pichai was awarded the Padma Bhushan for 2022 within the Trade and Industry class. The Madurai-born Mr Pichai was named one of many 17 awardees earlier this 12 months.

He obtained India’s third-highest civilian award within the presence of his shut relations in San Francisco on Friday.

“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,” 50-year-old Mr Pichai stated whereas accepting the award from India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

“India is a part of me. I carry it with me wherever I go. (Unlike this beautiful award which I will keep somewhere safe),” he stated.

“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,” Mr Pichai stated.

India’s Consul General in San Francisco, T V Nagendra Prasad, was additionally current throughout the occasion.

Mr Sandhu stated that Mr Pichai represented the limitless prospects of expertise 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 stated.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s imaginative and prescient of expertise that mixes 3Ss – velocity, simplicity and repair, Mr Sandhu hoped that Google would make full use of the digital revolution occurring in India.

Mr Pichai stated that it had been superb to return to India many occasions over time to see the fast tempo of technological change.

The improvements created in India are benefitting folks around the globe – from digital funds to voice expertise, he stated.

“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 stated.

Businesses are seizing the alternatives for digital transformation, and extra folks have entry to the web than ever earlier than, together with in rural villages, Mr Pichai stated.

“Prime Minister Modi’s Digital India vision has certainly been an accelerator for that progress and I’m proud that Google continues to invest in India, partnering with governments, businesses, and communities over two transformative decades,” he stated.

“Every new technology that arrived at our doorstep made our lives better. And that experience put me on a path to Google, and the chance to help build technology that improves the lives of people all over the world,” he stated.

Mr Pichai stated he sees a lot alternative forward.

On India taking on the G20 presidency, Mr Pichai stated: “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.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work together and bring the benefits of technology to more people,” Mr Pichai stated.

Google this 12 months added 24 new languages to its translation service utilizing a brand new development in machine studying. Eight of them are languages native to India.

“It means so much to see how people can access information and knowledge in their preferred language, and see the world open up to them in new ways. That’s why I continue to be so optimistic about technology, and why I believe India can and must continue to lead,” he added.

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