Sundar Pichai on the Padma Bhushan award, why he is optimistic about India and more

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai received the Padma Bhushan — the highest civilian honour given by India — from India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sindhu. Soon, after receiving the honour, Pichai penned his thoughts on the award, how India shaped him, why he is optimistic about tech and India, and more. Here is what he said:

On the Padma Bhushan award
“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 Pichai. He also said that he carries India with him wherever he goes as it is a part of him.

On returning to India
“It’s been so amazing to return to India many times over the years to see the rapid pace of technological change.