I carry India wherever I go, Google CEO Sundar Pichai on receiving Padmabushan

New Delhi: On receiving Padma Bushan, the third highest civilian award of the nation, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, said that India is an integral part of him and he carries it wherever he goes.

"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 said.

Pichai was awarded the Padma Bhushan for 2022 in the Trade and Industry category, at the presence of his close family members in San Francisco on Friday.

The Madurai born Pichai was named one of the 17 awardees earlier this year.

"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 Pichai said while accepting the award from India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

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 said.

India's Consul General in San Francisco, T V Nagendra Prasad, was also present during the event.

Pichai said that it had been amazing to return to India many times over the years to see the rapid pace of technological change.

The innovations created in India are benefitting people around the world – from digital payments to voice technology, he said.

"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 thanked his family for the support they gave him in pursuing his career.

"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 said.

He also congratulated the Centre on the digital policy initiative that is being carried out in the country.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work together and bring the benefits of technology to more people," Pichai added.

Google this year added 24 new languages to its translation service using a new advancement in machine learning. Eight of them are languages native to India.

-PTI Inputs