That’s the gist of my story yesterday, which began:
Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai has some straightforward life advice for students at his alma mater: loosen up and have some fun.
The India-born Mr. Pichai, speaking Thursday at the elite Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur outside Kolkata, told university students who asked how they could emulate his success to pursue their passions, take risks, and be creative.
That is unconventional advice in a country where parents often pressure their children from a young age to study hard so they can secure steady employment.
“Academics is important but it is not as important as it’s made out to be,” Mr. Pichai said, adding that during his time studying metallurgical engineering at the school more than two decades ago he stayed up late, slept through the occasional class — and may even have earned a C in one course.
“I worked hard but we did have our share of fun as well,” he said.
And:
Near the end of his hour-long town hall, an earnest student asked Mr. Pichai for advice on how he could make the most of his four years on campus. Mr. Pichai’s response was simple: “I wouldn’t overthink it.”
Previously: Google’s Newest India Focus: Connecting Small Businesses.