Azim Premji

Azim Premji, born on July 24, 1945, is an Indian business tycoon, philanthropist, and former chairman of Wipro Limited, one of India's largest IT services companies. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the information technology industry and his commitment to philanthropy. 

 Azim Hashim Premji was born in Mumbai, India, into a business-oriented Gujarati Muslim family. His father, Mohamed Hashem Premji, was a successful entrepreneur who founded Western Indian Vegetable Products, a vegetable oil company. Azim Premji completed his schooling at St. 

Mary's School in Mumbai and later pursued electrical engineering at Stanford University in the United States. However, he had to cut short his education and return to India in 1966 following the sudden demise of his father. At the age of 21, Azim Premji took charge of his family's business, Wipro, and began diversifying its operations. Initially focused on vegetable products, Wipro expanded into the IT industry under Premji's leadership. He transformed Wipro into a leading global IT services and consulting company, playing a pivotal role in India's emergence as a major player in the global technology landscape. 

 Under Premji's guidance, Wipro not only survived but thrived during challenging times in the Indian economy. His strategic vision, business acumen, and emphasis on innovation propelled the company to new heights. Wipro became known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, earning accolades and establishing itself as a major player in the global IT services sector. Azim Premji is also renowned for his philanthropic endeavors. 

In 2001, he founded the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving education in rural India. The foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of education and promoting a more equitable and inclusive educational system. Azim Premji pledged a significant portion of his wealth to the foundation, making it one of the most well-funded philanthropic initiatives in India. Throughout his career, Premji received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to business and philanthropy.

 In 2019, he was recognized with the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by the French government for his exceptional service to society. Azim Premji's life story reflects not only his business acumen but also his commitment to social responsibility. 

His journey from a young entrepreneur managing a family business to a global business icon and philanthropist is a testament to his leadership, resilience, and dedication to making a positive impact on society.