Archive · 1 Dec 2025
IIT Kharagpur's Room B-308: Sundar Pichai's Humble Beginnings
Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, once lived in a simple hostel room called B-308 at IIT Kharagpur.
This room is now occupied by Harshit Raj, a final-year Chemical Engineering student.
Pichai studied metallurgy, which is not as popular as computer science, but he became very successful.
He learned important life skills at IIT, like being resilient and curious.
He also met his future wife, Anjali, during his time there.
Pichai's story shows that success comes from exploring opportunities and following your dreams, not just from your academic field.
Room B-308 is now a symbol of inspiration for many students.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, lived in Room B-308 at IIT Kharagpur during his B.Tech in metallurgical and materials engineering.
Pichai's success challenges the preference for computer science over other engineering branches in India.
Pichai's years at IIT Kharagpur were formative, teaching him resilience, adaptability, and curiosity.
Pichai met his future wife, Anjali, during his time at IIT Kharagpur.
The current occupant of Room B-308, Harshit Raj, aspires to work in Artificial Intelligence.
- Who
- Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, and Harshit Raj, current occupant of Room B-308
- What
- The story of Sundar Pichai's formative years at IIT Kharagpur and the significance of his hostel room, B-308
- When
- During Pichai's B.Tech days in the 1980s and currently with Harshit Raj
- Where
- Room B-308, Nehru Hall, IIT Kharagpur, India
- Why
- To highlight the transformative power of Indian education and life skills, and to inspire students to explore opportunities beyond their immediate academic field
- Room
- B-308, Nehru Hall, IIT Kharagpur
- Occupant
- Sundar Pichai (former), Harshit Raj (current)
- Branch
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
- Current Occupant's Aspiration
- Artificial Intelligence
- Pichai's First Computer
- At IIT Kharagpur
- Pichai's First Flight
- To study abroad after IIT
- Pichai's Advice
- Follow your dreams, life will shape itself