On July 24, 2025, as the world celebrates the 80th birthday of Azim Premji, India pauses to honour a man whose life embodies the essence of integrity, vision, and philanthropy. From transforming a modest family business into a global technology powerhouse to becoming one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, Premji’s journey is a testament to the power of principled leadership and unwavering commitment to social good. His story, rooted in a pivotal decision made by his father in 1947, reflects not only personal triumph but also a deep connection to India’s growth and values.
A Legacy Rooted in Choice
The story of Azim Premji begins with a defining moment in his family’s history. In 1947, as the Indian subcontinent faced the tumult of partition, Muhammed Hashem Premji, Azim’s father, received an invitation from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to join Pakistan’s cabinet. The offer was significant, a chance to shape a new nation’s future. Yet, Hashem Premji chose to stay in India, a decision that would anchor his family’s legacy in the country they called home. This choice laid the foundation for Azim Premji’s remarkable journey, one that would see him transform their modest vegetable oil business into a global technology titan.
Azim Premji was born on July 24, 1945, in Bombay (now Mumbai), into a family that ran Western India Vegetable Products Limited, a company producing cooking oils. Little did anyone foresee that this enterprise would evolve into Wipro, a name synonymous with India’s IT revolution. The decision to remain in India was more than a personal choice; it was a commitment to contribute to the nation’s progress, a value that Azim Premji would carry forward with extraordinary impact.
From Vegetable Oil to Global Tech Titan
Azim Premji’s ascent to industrial stardom began under unexpected circumstances. In 1966, at the age of 21, he was called back from Stanford University, where he was studying electrical engineering, to take over the family business following his father’s sudden death. The company, then focused on hydrogenated oils, was modest in scale and ambition. Yet, Premji saw potential beyond its traditional roots. With a blend of foresight and determination, he steered Wipro into uncharted territories, diversifying into consumer goods like soaps and toiletries before making a bold pivot into information technology in the 1980s.
This transition was no small feat. At a time when India’s IT industry was in its infancy, Premji’s vision to embrace technology positioned Wipro as a pioneer. Under his leadership, Wipro grew from a small-scale operation into a global IT services giant, offering software development, IT consulting, and business process outsourcing. Today, Wipro is a publicly traded company with a market capitalization in the billions, employing over 250,000 people across the globe. Premji’s ability to anticipate technological trends and adapt to global markets earned him accolades as a visionary entrepreneur, celebrating his “entrepreneurial genius” in turning “a small oil business into a global tech titan.”
What sets Premji apart is not just his business acumen but his adherence to ethical leadership. Premji once declared, “Integrity is what you practice when no one is watching.” This principle became the cornerstone of Wipro’s corporate culture, earning the company a reputation for transparency and trustworthiness. His commitment to ethical practices has been lauded by peers and analysts alike, with CNBCTV18 highlighting his message to entrepreneurs: success must be built on values.
A Philanthropist Par Excellence
While Azim Premji’s business achievements are monumental, his contributions to philanthropy are equally transformative. Through the Azim Premji Foundation, established in 2001, he has channeled his wealth and influence into addressing India’s most pressing social challenges, particularly in education and healthcare. His donations, staggering in scale, have set benchmarks for philanthropy worldwide. In 2020-21 alone, Premji donated ₹9,713 crore (approximately ₹27 crore per day), a 23% increase from the previous year, making him India’s foremost philanthropist.
Premji’s commitment to giving back is formalized through his participation in the Giving Pledge, a global initiative where billionaires commit to donating the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. He was the first Indian to join this movement, alongside luminaries like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. His foundation’s work focuses on improving India’s public education system, supporting teacher training, and developing curricula to empower millions of children in underserved communities. The Azim Premji University, established in Bengaluru, further exemplifies his dedication to fostering systemic change through education and research.
Social media posts reflect the public’s admiration for Premji’s generosity, with one user describing him as a “true icon of ethical leadership” whose contributions to education and healthcare have transformed countless lives. His philanthropy is not just about financial contributions but about creating sustainable, scalable solutions. For instance, the foundation’s efforts in rural education have reached over 3.5 million children across India, ensuring access to quality learning opportunities.
A Life of Integrity and Impact
At 80, Azim Premji’s legacy is not merely a collection of achievements but a blueprint for principled living. His journey from a young man thrust into leadership to a global icon reflects a rare blend of resilience, foresight, and humility. Unlike many of his peers, Premji shunned ostentatious displays of wealth, choosing instead to live modestly while directing his resources toward societal good. His son, Rishad Premji, now leads Wipro, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence, but Azim’s influence remains indelible.
Premji’s story resonates deeply in a world grappling with inequality and ethical dilemmas. His decision to stay rooted in India, much like his father’s choice in 1947, underscores a commitment to nation-building.
Azim Premji’s legacy is “woven through visionary leadership, boundless generosity, and unwavering commitment to transforming lives.” This sentiment is echoed across platforms, with CNBCTV18 highlighting his revolutionary impact on Indian IT and his dedication to equity.
The Global Influence of a Quiet Titan
Premji’s influence extends beyond India’s borders. Wipro’s global footprint, with operations in over 50 countries, has made it a key player in the IT services industry, competing with giants like Infosys and TCS. His ability to navigate complex global markets while maintaining a focus on ethical governance has earned him respect worldwide.
In 2023, at the CNBCTV18 India Business Leader Awards, Premji’s message to entrepreneurs emphasized the importance of building sustainable businesses that prioritize social impact over short-term gains.
His philanthropy, too, has a global resonance. By addressing universal challenges like education and healthcare, Premji’s work serves as a model for philanthropists everywhere. His approach—combining data-driven strategies with grassroots impact—has inspired a new generation of givers. The Azim Premji Foundation’s partnerships with government bodies and NGOs demonstrate how private wealth can amplify public welfare, a model that has drawn praise from international development experts.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Motion
As Azim Premji turns 80, the question is not what he has achieved but what his legacy will inspire next. His life’s work challenges business leaders to think beyond profit, urging them to consider their role in addressing societal inequities. His foundation’s ongoing initiatives, from supporting rural schools to funding healthcare innovations, ensure that his impact will endure for generations.
In an era where trust in institutions is often shaky, Premji’s unwavering integrity offers a beacon of hope.
Azim Premji’s life is “pure legend,” a story of turning odds into opportunities while staying true to one’s values. For young entrepreneurs, his journey is a reminder that success is not measured solely by wealth but by the lives touched and the systems transformed.
A National Treasure
Azim Premji’s 80th birthday is more than a personal milestone; it is a moment to reflect on the values that have shaped modern India. From his father’s decision to stay in India to his own transformation of Wipro and his unparalleled philanthropy, Premji’s life is a narrative of choices made with courage and conviction. As India celebrates this icon, the world joins in recognizing a man whose legacy is not just in the businesses he built or the wealth he gave away but in the principles he lived by. Happy 80th birthday, Azim Premji—a true architect of India’s progress and a global exemplar of ethical leadership.
Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
