Azim Hashim Premji, an Indian business magnate, engineer, investor, and philanthropist, stands as a prominent figure in the world of technology and business. As the chairman of Wipro Limited, he is renowned as the ‘Czar of the Indian IT Industries,’ a testament to his profound impact on the nation’s technological landscape.
Early Life and Education: Born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay, India, Azim Premji hails from a distinguished Muslim family. His father, known as the ‘Rice King of Burma,’ was a noted businessperson. Despite an invitation from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to settle in Pakistan, Azim chose to remain in India.
Azim Premji pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. His commitment to education and innovation aligns with his enduring legacy.
Career and Entrepreneurial Journey: Azim Premji’s entrepreneurial journey began when he took charge of Wipro, then known as Western Indian Vegetable Products, at the age of 21 following his father’s demise. The company initially focused on manufacturing cooking oil and laundry soap. Under his visionary leadership, Wipro underwent diversification, venturing into bakery fats, toiletries, lighting products, and eventually, software.
Recognition and Honors: Azim Premji’s contributions to the business world have earned him global recognition. Asiaweek included him among the 20 most powerful men in the world in 2010, while TIME Magazine listed him among the 100 most influential people in 2004 and 2011.
As of October 2019, Azim Premji ranks as the tenth richest person in India, with an estimated net worth of USD 7.2 billion. His philanthropic endeavors have been equally distinguished, marked by his commitment to giving away at least half of his wealth through The Giving Pledge, a commitment he made in 2013.
Awards and Accolades: Azim Premji’s impact extends beyond the business realm. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 2005, recognizing his outstanding contributions to trade and commerce. In 2011, he received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India.
His philanthropic efforts have also garnered praise, with accolades such as the Lakshya Business Visionary award from the National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, and recognition as one of the ‘Heroes of Philanthropy’ by Forbes magazine.
Azim Premji Foundation: In 2001, Azim Premji founded the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving school education in India. His groundbreaking donation of USD 2 billion in December 2010 marked the largest philanthropic contribution of its kind in India. In March 2019, he pledged an additional 34% of Wipro stock to the foundation, emphasizing his commitment to transformative education.
Azim Premji’s remarkable journey, characterized by entrepreneurial brilliance and unwavering philanthropy, continues to inspire generations. His legacy reflects not only business acumen but also a profound dedication to societal betterment and education.