Azim Premji is one of India’s most respected business leaders, known for his humility, vision, and philanthropy. He is the man who transformed Wipro Limited from a small family-run business into one of the world’s leading technology and consulting companies. His journey from inheriting a cooking oil company to building a global IT powerhouse is an inspiring example of leadership, perseverance, and purpose.
Often referred to as the “Czar of the Indian IT Industry,” Azim Premji’s success story is not just about business growth—it’s about values, ethics, and an unshakable belief in doing what’s right for society.
Early Life and Background of Azim Premji
Born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Azim Premji came from a family with deep entrepreneurial roots. His father, Mohamed Hashem Premji, was a successful businessman and the founder of Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd., which produced hydrogenated cooking oil under the brand name “Sunflower.”
Azim grew up in a time when India was undergoing great social and economic change. His early education took place in Mumbai, and he later went on to study Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in the United States. However, his studies were cut short in 1966 when his father passed away suddenly.
At the young age of 21, Azim returned to India to take over the family business—a decision that would change the course of his life and that of Wipro forever.
The Transformation of Wipro Limited
When Azim Premji assumed leadership of Wipro, the company was primarily involved in manufacturing vegetable oils and consumer goods. Many doubted whether such a young man could handle the immense responsibility of running a company. However, Azim’s calm determination and forward-thinking mindset soon began to shine.
He diversified the company’s product line, expanding into sectors like soaps, baby products, and hydraulic cylinders. But his most significant decision came in the 1980s when he recognized the potential of the emerging technology industry.
With India opening up to computerization, Azim shifted Wipro’s focus toward information technology. Under his guidance, Wipro began manufacturing microcomputers in collaboration with Sentinel Computers, USA, and soon started offering software services.
This strategic move turned Wipro into a major player in the IT revolution. What started as a consumer goods company evolved into one of the leading global IT service providers, offering consulting, digital transformation, and business solutions worldwide.
Business Philosophy and Leadership Style
One of the most remarkable aspects of Azim Premji’s leadership is his unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. He is known for being a perfectionist who pays attention to every detail but also believes in empowering his employees.
Azim has often said that success should never come at the cost of one’s values. His emphasis on honesty, transparency, and simplicity became the foundation of Wipro’s corporate culture.
He believed in building trust with clients and employees alike, focusing not just on profits but on long-term sustainability. Under his leadership, Wipro became synonymous with professionalism and corporate responsibility, earning global respect in the technology industry.
Azim’s frugal lifestyle also reflects his belief in simplicity. Despite his billionaire status, he famously drives an old Toyota Corolla, travels economy class, and avoids unnecessary extravagance.
Life Struggles and Challenges
The success of Azim Premji did not come without obstacles. When he took charge of Wipro, India’s business environment was dominated by bureaucratic hurdles, foreign exchange restrictions, and limited access to technology.
Convincing stakeholders to diversify into IT at a time when the field was still in its infancy was a massive challenge. But Azim’s foresight and willingness to take calculated risks paid off.
The company also faced fierce competition from global giants like IBM and TCS. Yet, Wipro carved its niche through quality, innovation, and cost efficiency.
Another challenge came in the form of leadership transition and maintaining Wipro’s values as it expanded globally. Azim handled these transitions gracefully by building a strong leadership team and ensuring that Wipro’s ethical foundation remained intact.
Educational Background and Continued Learning
Although Azim Premji had to leave Stanford University early to run Wipro, he later completed his degree in Electrical Engineering decades later—a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning.
He has often emphasized the importance of education and continuous self-improvement, both for individuals and organizations. His personal belief in education later became a cornerstone of his philanthropic work, leading to the establishment of one of India’s largest charitable foundations.
Career Achievements and Recognitions
Over the decades, Azim Premji has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to business, education, and philanthropy.
He was twice listed among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people and has been recognized by Forbes and BusinessWeek for his leadership and impact.
In 2005, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, and in 2011, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.
Under his leadership, Wipro became one of the first Indian IT companies to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Today, it operates in over 60 countries with thousands of employees serving clients across industries.
His visionary leadership transformed Wipro into a $30+ billion enterprise, setting new benchmarks for innovation and corporate governance.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Beyond his business empire, Azim Premji is globally celebrated for his philanthropy. Through the Azim Premji Foundation, established in 2001, he has devoted much of his wealth to improving education in India.
The foundation works across multiple Indian states, supporting teacher training, educational research, and school reforms. In 2010, Azim made headlines by donating a majority of his wealth to charity, becoming the first Indian to sign The Giving Pledge initiated by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.
Today, he has donated over $29 billion to social causes, making him one of the world’s most generous philanthropists. His focus on education stems from his belief that quality education is the most powerful tool for social transformation.
Personal Life and Family
Despite his monumental success, Azim Premji leads a modest and disciplined life. He is married to Yasmeen Premji, an accomplished author and philanthropist herself. The couple has two sons—Rishad and Tariq Premji.
Rishad Premji, the elder son, currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Wipro, continuing his father’s legacy with the same principles of ethics and innovation.
Azim enjoys reading and spending quiet time with family. He avoids public appearances and social media, preferring to stay focused on his work and charitable initiatives.
Net Worth and Business Empire
As of 2025, Azim Premji’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion, though he has donated a large portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes.
While many billionaires are known for lavish lifestyles, Premji’s approach to wealth is grounded in responsibility. He views money as a tool for societal good rather than personal indulgence.
Wipro, under his guidance, grew into one of the top IT service companies globally, competing with giants like Infosys and TCS. The company’s diversification into digital transformation, AI, and cloud computing continues to keep it at the forefront of innovation.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Azim Premji extends far beyond business. He redefined what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in India—someone who not only builds wealth but also uplifts society.
His blend of ethics, empathy, and excellence continues to inspire leaders worldwide. He showed that integrity in business is not a weakness but a strength that builds lasting trust.
Through his visionary leadership, he has left an indelible mark on both India’s corporate and social landscapes. His life reminds us that greatness is not just about how high you rise, but about how many lives you lift along the way.
Read also:
zainab ravdjee age
aaman devgan age
swapnil kusale
natalia janoszek age
rabbi inni lima
umrah ki dua
safa marwa dua
