Azim Premji: The Visionary Who Redefined Success with Purpose and Compassion
Who is Azim Premji?
Azim Hashim Premji is a famous investor, businessman and philanthropist. He was the chairman of Wipro Limited. Premji remains a non-executive member of the board and founder chairman. He is informally known as the Czar of the Indian IT Industry. From transforming Wipro into a global IT powerhouse to his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, Premji's journey is a testament to the power of vision and values-driven leadership.
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Azim Premji Early Life and Education
Azim Premji was born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay into a Nizari Ismaili Shia Muslim family. His father, Mohamed Hashim Premji, was a prominent businessman and founder of Western India Vegetable Products Ltd., which produced hydrogenated oils and soaps. His mother was a professional Doctor. Premji’s father, known as the “Rice King of Burma”. He declined an invitation from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to move to Pakistan and chose instead to remain in India.
Premji’s educational journey began at Stanford University, where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering. However, in 1966, his studies were interrupted by the sudden death of his father. It prompted 21-year-old Premji to return to India to take charge of the family business. Despite his young age, he demonstrated remarkable leadership and later completed his degree through correspondence.
Later, in 2000 he completed his engineering degree.
Transforming Wipro into a Global IT Powerhouse
When Premji assumed leadership, Wipro was primarily a vegetable oil company. Under his guidance, the company diversified into areas such as bakery fats, ethnic ingredient-based toiletries, hair care soaps, and hydraulic cylinders. The pivotal moment came in the 1980s when IBM exited India due to regulatory issues.
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Premji identified the immense potential of the IT sector and strategically pivoted Wipro into computer hardware and software services, leveraging a collaboration with Sentinel Computer Corporation. Premji’s leadership emphasized quality and innovation, with Wipro becoming one of the first Indian companies to adopt Six Sigma quality standards. This commitment to excellence established Wipro as a global leader in IT services and outsourcing, with a strong presence in the U.S., Europe, and other international markets. His ethical and inclusive approach fostered a culture of integrity and respect, empowering employees and driving Wipro’s success.
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Philanthropy and Social Impact
Azim Premji’s commitment to philanthropy is as remarkable as his business achievements. In 2001, he founded the Azim Premji Foundation and focused on improving education in rural India. Over the years, Premji has donated billions of dollars to support initiatives in education, healthcare, and sustainable development. He became the first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge in 2010, committing the majority of his wealth to charity.
In 2010, he donated $2 billion to school education in India and transferred 213 million equity shares of Wipro to the Azim Premji Foundation. In 2020, he topped the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List with a donation of ₹7,904 crore. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wipro and the Azim Premji Foundation committed ₹1,125 crore for relief efforts, reflecting his dedication to social welfare. He totally donated 7904 crore during covid time.
Recognitions and Legacy
Azim Premji’s contributions to business and society have earned him numerous accolades, including. He got Padma Bhushan in 2005 and Padma Vibhushan in 2011. In addition, Premji was ranked 9th in India Today’s 2017 list of India’s most powerful people. Under his leadership, Wipro evolved from a $2 million cooking fat company into a global conglomerate.
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Azim Premji family
Azim Premji is married to Yasmeen Premji, a famous businesswoman and philanthropist. The couple has two children, Rishad and Tariq. Rishad Premji is the current executive chairman of Wipro.
Azim Premji's Net Worth
According to the Forbes, Azim Premji's Net Worth has a net worth of 1,240 crores USD.
The Man of Values
Azim Premji is a man of principles. He believes in a zero-wastage lifestyle. He even cares about coffee, paper, and toilet paper waste. So, you can imagine how much he cares about his human resources. He has paid for the higher education of many of his employees. He believes that an employee is an asset that needs to be grown.
Inspiring Leadership
Azim Premji’s life is a shining example of how purposeful leadership can drive transformative change. Balancing business success with social responsibility, he has inspired countless individuals to lead with compassion and integrity. His story underscores the importance of vision, adaptability, and a values-driven approach in making a meaningful impact on society.
Today, Azim Premji’s legacy continues through Wipro and his foundation, embodying his belief that wealth is a means to serve humanity. As he once said, “My father always believed that he was a trustee of his wealth and never its owner.” Premji’s extraordinary journey reminds us of the profound difference one individual can make when guided by purpose and commitment to the greater good.
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