When Google top boss Sundar Pichai played 'coolie'

Sundar Pichai is a hero to the tech community not just in India, but also the world over. As the top boss of Google, he’s something of a revered figure. His seniors from his alma mater IIT Kharagpur (KGP) may claim to have played a part in toughening up the young Pichai, preparing him for the road ahead.

During Pichai’s visit to the KGP campus early last month, he was reminiscing about his engineering days. As he recalled moments from his student life, he also revealed about the “ragging” he underwent. He had to play coolie for the seniors. When they’d come back from home to college, Pichai had to go to the railway station and carry their bags.

“And it was a really long platform,” he said, in a mock-horrified manner. Judging by the laughter this revelation evoked, perhaps the tradition lives strong on the campus.


Google Inc CEO, Sundar Pichai (C) plays cricket with villagers in Gokulpur village during his visit to India. (Image: PTI)