India stands as home to numerous billionaires who have not only amassed immense wealth but have also made substantial contributions to philanthropy. Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, and Gautam Adani are among the prominent names in India’s business landscape. Today, we shine a spotlight on Azim Premji, the former chairman of Wipro Limited, who holds the esteemed title of India’s second most charitable person.
A Remarkable Donation
According to the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023, Azim Premji made a substantial contribution of Rs 1,774 crore during the fiscal year 2022-23. This noteworthy act of generosity placed him in the second rank, with HCL Technologies’ Shiv Nadar securing the top spot with a donation of Rs 2,042 crore.
Tech Magnate and Philanthropist
Azim Premji, the visionary behind Wipro, a company with a market cap of Rs 249,000 crore, is not only a tech magnate but also one of the world’s most generous billionaires. Having given away a staggering USD 21 billion to his charitable foundation, he epitomises the spirit of philanthropy on a global scale.
Financial Standing
As of January 22, 2024, Forbes estimates Azim Premji’s real-time net worth at USD 11.8 billion, equivalent to approximately Rs 98,070 crore. A graduate in electrical engineering from Stanford University, his entrepreneurial journey began in 1966 when he took charge of the family’s cooking oil business, eventually expanding into the realm of software.
The Azim Premji Foundation
In 2001, Azim Premji established the Azim Premji Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing quality and equity in India’s public school system. This visionary philanthropist was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in January 2011.
A Family Legacy
In July 2019, Azim Premji’s son, Rishad, succeeded his father as Wipro’s executive chairman, continuing the family legacy in the business world. In 2020, the Azim Premji Foundation pledged USD 150 million to provide aid for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, further solidifying the foundation’s commitment to social responsibility.
Azim Premji’s journey from steering the family business to becoming a global philanthropic force exemplifies the transformative power of wealth channelled towards impactful causes. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of business leaders to intertwine success with a profound sense of social responsibility.
