World

We must support Muslims in US, says Google CEO

Sundar Pichai says America was and is a country of immigrants

Web Desk December 14, 2015

A file photo of Google CEO Sundar Pichai. PHOTO: AFP

Following Mark Zuckerberg's call to protect the rights of Muslims, Google CEO has come out in support of the community saying "we must support" them.

“Let’s not let fear defeat our values. We must support Muslims and other minority communities in the US and around the world,” Sundar Pichai wrote in a blog post.

Let’s not let fear defeat our values. My first medium post here https://t.co/JXt7qQFFNG
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 12, 2015

"It’s not just about opportunity. The open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of new Americans is one of the country’s greatest strengths and most defining characteristics. And that is no coincidence — America, after all, was and is a country of immigrants," he added.

Sundar Pichai: the little-known new chief of Google

Though Pichai did not name Donald Trump, his comments appear to be countering the recent call by the Republican presidential front-runner to ban Muslims from entering the US.

Expressing disappointment at the recent spike in Islamophobic incidents across US, Pichai said, "It’s so disheartening to see the intolerant discourse playing out in the news these days — statements that our country would be a better place without the voices, ideas and the contributions of certain groups of people, based solely on where they come from, or their religion."

Pichai, 43, who was named CEO of the tech giant in August, moved to the US from India about 22 years ago.

Recalling his early days in the new country, Google CEO wrote, "I was fortunate enough to gain entry to a university here, and time after time, I saw that hard work opened other doors. I have built a career and a family and a life here. And I’ve felt as much a part of this country, as I felt growing up in India."

Zuckerberg speaks out against Muslim discrimination

Earlier this week, Zuckerberg said the Muslim community should not face discrimination following attacks in Paris and elsewhere linked to extremists.

“After the Paris attacks and hate this week, I can only imagine the fear Muslims feel that they will be persecuted for the actions of others,” he wrote on Facebook.

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10102517406079831"]

COMMENTS (5)

Blue Cat | 8 years ago | Reply No just_someone, when a person enters a local supermarket late at night in Small Town, USA wearing black clothing from head to toe, with only tiny slits for eyes to barely show, that Muslim is acting EXACTLY like the Muslims in other parts of the world. Maybe you need to get out of your naive little corner, and open your eyes.

Pakistani | 8 years ago | Reply These two CEO's should be an example for Pakistanis. How many times have Pakistani politicians and CEOs stood up like this to speak up for minorities in Pakistan. You have a hindu gentleman and jewish gentlemen standing up for Muslim rights in the US. Also many ordinary Americans are standing up for muslims. Now we need to stand up for minorities in Pakistan. Thank you Mr Zukerberg and Mr Pichai.

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just_someone | 8 years ago | Reply @Tom G. and @Hmm: Its obvious you dont live in the US or, if you do, dont interact with Muslims much. Muslims in the US are very different from those in the Muslim world and even different from those in Europe/Australia. There is a reason the Islamophobia from Trump has brought about such a wave of condemnation and calls for support for Muslims.

Tom G. | 8 years ago | Reply The headline of this story reads - "We must support Muslims in US, says Google CEO" I think a more appropriate wording might be: "The Muslim community must support the U.S." That to me is what needs to happen. Our Constitution strives to provide religious freedoms to every individual and every class of individual in our society. It was written by a group of individuals who placed a high value on FREEDOM and the RIGHT to choose their own path in life and to worship the God of their choice. And I mean ANY God not just a God of some particular group of people. I am still waiting to see the Muslim community demonstrating in mass in support of religious freedom for ALL religions.

Hmm | 8 years ago | Reply Good words. But one advise to Muslims as well because current scenario is not by chance or not without a reason. It is the intolerance shown by muslim fundamentalists over the time through out the world. Do good work and respect will follow you.

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