Azim Premji is one of the most influential and respected figures in the Indian business world. He is the founder and non-executive chairman of Wipro Limited, a global leader in the software and IT industry. He is also a renowned philanthropist who has pledged to donate most of his wealth to various social causes, especially education. He is widely regarded as the czar of the Indian IT industry and one of the world’s wealthiest people.
His early life and education
- Premji was born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, into a Nizari Ismaili Shia Muslim family from Gujarat.
- His father, Mohamed Hashem Premji, was a successful businessman who founded Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd., a company that produced cooking oil and other products.
- Premji attended St. Mary’s School in Mumbai and then graduated from St. Xavier’s College with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
- He was studying engineering at Stanford University in the US when his father passed away in 1966. He left Stanford and returned to India to take over the family business at the age of 21.
Accomplishments
- Premji transformed the family business from a vegetable oil manufacturer to a diversified conglomerate that ventured into consumer products, lighting, hydraulic cylinders, and eventually information technology.
- He renamed the company Wipro in 1977 and capitalized on the opportunity created by the exit of IBM from India in 1979. He shifted the focus of Wipro to developing software and hardware for the domestic and international markets.
- Under his leadership, Wipro became one of the largest and most successful IT companies in India and the world. It offers a range of services, such as software development, consulting, business process outsourcing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
- Premji is also known for his high standards of corporate governance, ethics, and social responsibility. He has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, such as Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian distinction, and Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, one of the world’s most prestigious awards for philanthropy.
Contribution of Wipro to Indian Economy
Wipro has been a key player in the Indian IT industry and the global software landscape. It has made a positive impact on the Indian economy and society with its work and generosity. It has also set an example for other businesses to follow.
- Generating revenue and employment: Wipro is one of the largest and most successful IT companies in India and the world. It offers a range of services, such as software development, consulting, business process outsourcing, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. It has over 240,000 dedicated employees across 55 countries and reported a gross revenue of Rs. 225.4 billion (US$ 2.06 billion) in the third quarter of FY23. It is among the leading tech companies in India and the world
- Promoting innovation and excellence: Wipro is known for its high standards of quality, innovation, and excellence. It has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, such as the National Intellectual Property Award, the NASSCOM Corporate Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, the CII Industrial Innovation Award, and the NDTV Business Leadership Award. It has also launched various initiatives and platforms to foster innovation and collaboration, such as Wipro-Google Cloud Innovation Arena, Wipro AWS Launch Pad, Wipro FieldX, and Wipro 5G.
- Supporting social and environmental causes: Wipro is committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. It has undertaken various projects and programs to support education, health care, environment, governance, and livelihoods in India and beyond. It has also pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and to source 100% renewable energy for its operations by 2025. It has also contributed generously to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India by donating Rs. 1,125 crore (US$ 154 million) through Wipro Limited, Wipro Enterprises Ltd., and Azim Premji Foundation.
Philosophy of life
- Premji is a man of simple tastes and modest lifestyle. He is known for his frugality, humility, and integrity. He drives a Toyota Corolla, flies economy class, and stays in budget hotels when he travels.
- Premji believes that wealth is a social trust and should be used for the benefit of society. He has committed to donate most of his wealth to philanthropic causes through his foundation, Azim Premji Foundation.
- Premji is passionate about improving the quality and access of education in India. His foundation works with various stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, schools, teachers, and communities, to enhance the learning outcomes of millions of children across India.
- Premji also supports various initiatives in health care, nutrition, water, sanitation, environment, governance, and livelihoods through his philanthropic arm, Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives.
Work legacy
- Premji has left an indelible mark on the Indian IT industry and the global software landscape. He has been instrumental in creating a world-class IT company that has contributed to India’s economic growth and global reputation.
- Premji has also inspired generations of entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals, and innovators with his vision, values, and achievements. He has mentored many successful business leaders and supported many social entrepreneurs through his investments and guidance.
- Premji has also set an example for corporate citizenship and philanthropy in India and beyond. He has shown that business success and social good can go hand in hand. He has demonstrated that wealth can be a powerful force for positive change in society.
Azim Premji is a living legend who has made a lasting impact on the world with his work and generosity. He is a role model for anyone who wants to pursue excellence, innovation, and social justice.
