Informally known as the ‘Czar of the Indian IT Industry,’ Azim Premji is one of the world’s most well-known entrepreneurs. His unique foresight, compassion and commitment have made him the mogul he is today.
He was born in 1945, into a wealthy family. When his father passed away unexpectedly, he decided to move back home, before completing his degree at Stanford University, to manage his father’s business. He renamed that company ‘Wipro’ in 1977.
Back in 1979, when IBM was asked to exit the Indian market, he took the reins and steered Wipro towards the computer industry. He recognized that a technological revolution was beginning and quickly filled the vacuum left behind by IBM.
He remained at the helm of Wipro for several decades and transformed a $2 million company into an organization that generates an $8.5 Billion revenue. He has received several accolades over the years including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, and has received numerous honorary doctorates from distinguished universities.
Despite the enormous wealth he has generated over the years, he developed a reputation of being down-to-earth, modest, and generous. His emphasis on education pushed him to complete the degree he had left behind at Stanford and he started the Azim Premji Foundation to improve the quality of primary education throughout India. He takes pride in his philanthropic work and was also the first Indian to sign The Giving Pledge.
He is a shining example of an ethical entrepreneur and is an inspiration to millions of people.
Written By – Shweta Shukla
Entrepreneurship Development Cell 
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