Born and raised in India himself, Google CEO Sundar Pichai says the country is primed and ready for growth in technology.
But to truly tap into that ability, the country needs to take risks.
Speaking to a packed gym on the campus of New Delhi University on Thursday, Pichai said India's education system needs to allow its students to take risks and fail to generate more worldwide tech leaders.
Pichai, who has been working for Google since 2004, before becoming the tech giant's CEO this past August, said, "It is important to teach students to take risks," as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
He told students that in Silicon Valley, "failing is a badge of honor," and something that shows young, daring entrepreneurs are willing to take chances.
Pichai also referred to India as "an amazingly young, vast country," which Google is very committed to building its presence in, adding that the country has a "unique opportunity" to produce new technology companies because of its sheer size alone.
Pichai's comments came a day after he spoke about Google's intentions to promote Wi-Fi growth in the country duing the Google for India event.
"In our attempt to provide Internet access to people, we have decided to provide WiFi in 400 railway stations with RailTel," Pichai said, as reported by IBN Live. "The 100 stations will come online by 2016 end. Mumbai Central station will be online by January."
A lighthearted moment during Pichai's talk Thursday came when members of the audience gasped upon the Google CEO saying he probably has 20 or 30 smartphones at his home due to constant testing.
