Study Abroad: Many Indian students choose to study abroad in pursuit of high-quality education and globally recognized degrees. Over the years, several Indians who studied overseas have gone on to achieve remarkable global success and made significant contributions in their respective fields. Here are some of the most inspiring examples:
1. Sundar Pichai - CEO of Google and Alphabet Inc.
Born in Madurai, Sundar Pichai pursued his Master of Science (MS) in Material Science from Stanford University, USA. He later rose through the ranks at Google and became the CEO of the tech giant in 2015. In 2019, he also assumed the role of CEO of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company. Pichai was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the category of Trade and Industry from the Government of India, the country's third-highest civilian award.
2. Satya Nadella - CEO and Chairman of Microsoft
Hyderabad-born Satya Nadella earned his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology, followed by a Master's in the United States at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Once rejected from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), he has made notable growth while working as the CEO and Chairman of Microsoft.
3. Shantanu Narayen - Chairman, President, and CEO of Adobe Inc.
Also from Hyderabad, Shantanu Narayen earned a Master's in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. He started his career with a startup, worked at Apple, and co-founded Pictra Inc., a pioneer in online photo sharing. Today, he leads Adobe Inc., a global leader in creative and digital tools.
4. Indra Nooyi - Former CEO of PepsiCo, Board Member of Amazon and ICC
Born in Chennai, Indra Nooyi earned her Master's in Public and Private Management from the Yale School of Management. While studying at Yale, she worked as a receptionist to support herself financially. She went on to lead PepsiCo for over 12 years and is currently the board member of Amazon and the International Cricket Council. She has been repeatedly named among the world's most powerful women.
5. Vikram Pandit - Former CEO of Citigroup, CEO of The Orogen Group
Born in Nagpur, Vikram Pandit completed his B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, followed by an MBA and Ph.D. in Finance from Columbia Business School. He served as the CEO of Citigroup and is currently the Chairman and CEO of The Orogen Group. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor.