Microsoft CEO Nadella's alma mater Manipal varsity ecstatic

As Microsoft appointed Satya aka Satyanarayana Nadella the company’s next CEO, his alma mater, Manipal University, was basking in the glory of a historic day. 

“Yes, it is a great day for Manipal University. Every single student, past and present will cherish this glorious moment. Satya’s great achievement has done Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) and Manipal University proud,” said Manipal University Chancellor Ramdas M Pai. 

“This is the biggest event for Manipal University. Over the last three months, when his name was shortlisted for the job, we have been hoping and praying that Satya would get the job. Today (Tuesday) is a red letter day in the history of Manipal University,” the chancellor said.

MIT Director Vinod V Thomas said: “It is a great moment which makes every MITian proud. We are extremely delighted to hear the news that our distinguished alumnus Satya Nadella, BE (E&C) 1988 batch, is elevated as the CEO of Microsoft Corporation, to lead a $ 80 billion company with over 1,00,000 employees.” 

School of Information Sciences Director Harishchandra Hebbar, who taught Digital Electronics to Satya said: “As a student he had a keen eye for details. He would always want to know the how and why of everything that was being taught in the class. He never would take the next step without fully knowing the step he has already taken”.

After completing BE at MIT, he went to the US and completed his master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from University of Chicago.

Other famous Alumni of MIT include Anant J Talaulicar, Mechanical 1984, executive chairman of the board and managing director of Cummins India Ltd; Rajeev Suri, E&C 1989, CEO of Nokia Solutions and Network; P V Shridhar  E&C 1979, director at Apple; Glenville Da Silva, Chemical 1979, vice-president of business development Asia at Volvo Construction Equipment. 

The new CEO of Microsoft traces his roots to Bukkapuram in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. Born in Hyderabad to an IAS officer, B N Yugandhar, who was a member of the Planning Commission from 2004-2009, Satya completed his schooling from Hyderabad Public School (HPS).

In a media interaction in Hyderabad last year, Satya said that he is still connected deeply to the city. “Both my wife and I went to HPS. Our parents live in Hyderabad and we visit them every year.” he said. 

The laid back attitude while growing up in Hyderabad gave me time to think about things differently without perhaps being caught up in the narrow approach to one’s journey through life, he added.

He vividly remembered playing cricket for HPS and the impact it had on him. 

“It was more about working in teams and leadership that has stayed with me throughout my career.” Satya is married and has three children. The family resides in Washington State.