May 16th, 2026

IITKGP Foundation

From Nehru Hall to the Global Stage:
Sundar Pichai and Alphabet’s TIME Moment

When Sundar Pichai appeared on the cover of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2026 issue, it marked more than a personal milestone. For the global IITKGP community, it was a proud reminder of how far the journey from the classrooms and corridors of Kharagpur can reach. 

TIME recognized Alphabet as one of the world’s most influential companies for its leadership in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital innovation. The magazine highlighted how Pichai has guided the company through one of the most transformative eras in technology, positioning Alphabet at the forefront of the global AI revolution. 

Pichai’s story has always resonated deeply within the IITKGP community because it embodies the values the Institute strives to nurture — intellectual curiosity, humility, resilience, and global impact. Long before he became the CEO of one of the world’s most influential companies, he was a student navigating campus life at IIT Kharagpur, building the foundations of the thoughtful leadership style for which he is now widely respected.

Over the past year, Pichai has continued to acknowledge those roots. During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, he reflected warmly on his student days and his journeys aboard the Coromandel Express from Chennai to Kharagpur — memories that connected his global achievements back to the Institute that helped shape them. 

Today, under his leadership, Alphabet is helping define the future of AI at a scale that touches billions of lives worldwide. TIME’s recognition underscores not only the company’s technological influence, but also Pichai’s steady and thoughtful stewardship during a period of rapid global change. 

For IITKGP alumni everywhere, this moment is both celebratory and inspirational — a testament to the power of education, innovation, and the enduring spirit of KGPians who continue to shape the world from every corner of the globe.