Azim Hashim Premji - The Progress Catalyst
A visionary in IT & philanthropy
Azim Premji is a business magnate, philanthropist, and the architect of Wipro’s global success. Under his leadership, Wipro transformed from a small family-run vegetable oil business into one of India’s leading IT and consulting firms. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of India’s IT revolution, he is equally celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to philanthropy, education, and social development.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 24 July 1945
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Parents: Mohammed Hashim Premji, Gulbanoo Premji
Spouse: Yasmeen Premji
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University
Employment History:
Former Chairman of Wipro (1966–2019)
Founder & Chairman of Azim Premji Foundation
Azim Premji’s visionary leadership in IT and unwavering commitment to philanthropy have made him a global icon of business ethics, corporate governance, and social responsibility.
Azim Premji, transforming Wipro into a global IT leader
Azim Premji’s journey began in 1966, when he took over Wipro at the age of 21 following his father’s sudden passing. At the time, Wipro was primarily a manufacturer of vegetable oils and consumer products. Recognising the potential of technology and software services, Premji led the company’s strategic shift into IT in the 1980s, positioning Wipro as a leader in India’s burgeoning tech industry.
Under his leadership, Wipro expanded into software development, IT consulting, and digital solutions, becoming one of India’s largest IT services firms. His focus on innovation, quality, and ethical business practices helped Wipro gain global recognition, securing clients across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Even after stepping down as Chairman in 2019, Premji’s legacy continues through Wipro’s commitment to innovation, talent development, and digital transformation.
Impact Maker Azim Premji
Azim Premji’s influence extends beyond business, as he has dedicated a significant portion of his wealth to philanthropy and social development. Through the Azim Premji Foundation, established in 2001, he has worked to improve primary education, healthcare, and rural development in India.
In 2013, he became India’s first philanthropist to sign The Giving Pledge, committing to donating a majority of his wealth to charitable causes. As of today, he has contributed over $21 billion to philanthropy, making him one of the world’s most generous donors. His initiatives have impacted millions of underprivileged children, teachers, and healthcare workers, transforming the landscape of social welfare in India.
Through Wipro’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, Premji has also championed sustainability, skill development, and digital literacy, ensuring that business success is aligned with nation-building and community empowerment.
Change Maker Azim Premji
Azim Premji is widely credited with shaping India’s IT services industry, making it a global powerhouse. At a time when Indian companies were largely focused on domestic markets, he had the foresight to invest in technology, software services, and global partnerships. His strategic decision to focus on high-quality IT solutions and customer-centric innovation helped Wipro compete with global IT giants.
As a leader, Premji is known for his frugality, humility, and people-centric leadership style. He built Wipro into an ethical and value-driven company, setting new standards for corporate governance, transparency, and employee empowerment. His leadership philosophy emphasised long-term vision over short-term gains, making Wipro one of the most respected IT firms worldwide.
Even in challenging times, including the dot-com crash and economic recessions, Premji navigated Wipro through market volatility, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience. His ability to embrace change and adapt to evolving global trends solidified his status as a transformational leader in Indian business.
Progress Catalyst Azim Premji
Beyond corporate success, Azim Premji has been a catalyst for change in India’s education and social sectors. The Azim Premji University, established in 2010, focuses on developing leaders in education, public policy, and social work, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals dedicated to nation-building.
His focus on rural education, teacher training, and skill development has empowered millions of educators and students, bridging the gap between privilege and opportunity. He has also been an active supporter of start-ups and social enterprises, investing in ventures that prioritise social impact and technological innovation.
Through his continued contributions to technology, education, and philanthropy, Premji’s influence will be felt for generations to come. His legacy is not just about building a successful business empire, but about empowering people, shaping industries, and driving meaningful change in society.
Achievements
Transformed Wipro into a $30 billion global IT services leader – Expanded its presence across consulting, digital transformation, and cloud computing.
Donated over $21 billion to philanthropy – Making him one of the world’s most generous philanthropists.
Founded Azim Premji Foundation (2001) – Focused on primary education, healthcare, and social development.
Established Azim Premji University (2010) – Trained leaders in education, public policy, and social work.
Led Wipro’s expansion into global markets – Helped position India as an IT outsourcing hub.
Awards & Recognitions
Padma Bhushan (2005) & Padma Vibhushan (2011) – India’s top civilian honours for contributions to trade and philanthropy.
Forbes’ Most Influential Business Leaders (Multiple years) – Recognised for his impact on global IT and philanthropy.
Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2017) – Acknowledged for his unmatched contributions to social causes.
Ranked among the world’s top philanthropists by Bloomberg, Forbes, and The Economist.
Media References
Wikipedia – Azim Premji’s biography and business contributions
Britannica – Azim Premji’s leadership and philanthropy
Business Standard – Azim Premji’s impact on India’s IT industry
Foundr Magazine – Azim Premji’s vision and social contributions
Moneycontrol - Philanthropist Azim Premji's principles
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