Stories of achievement, courage and contribution
Azim Premji
India Ki Shaan • Business

Azim Premji

Azim Premji — the business leader who transformed Wipro and became one of India’s most influential philanthropists.

Over decades, Premji helped turn Wipro from a consumer-products company into a global technology business while building a major philanthropic legacy focused on education.

Born24 Jul 1945
Known ForWipro
FieldTechnology & Philanthropy
LegacyEducation Giving
Azim Premji Biography

A business journey shaped by ambition, execution and impact

Azim Premji transformed the Indian tech landscape, building a billion-dollar empire from scratch. His journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and a commitment to giving back to society.

Azim Premji is a renowned business leader and philanthropist from India. He is the founder of Wipro Limited, one of the largest IT services companies in the world. Premji has played a significant role in shaping the Indian technology sector and is celebrated for his commitment to education and social causes. His journey from a small family business to a global tech giant inspires many aspiring entrepreneurs.

Azim Premji was born into a wealthy family in Mumbai. His father, Hashim Premji, was a successful businessman who ran a small cooking oil company. Growing up in a supportive environment, Azim was exposed to business from a young age. He was an observant child, always curious about how things worked. His family's financial stability allowed him to focus on his studies and explore various interests.

At a Glance

Selected business and career markers

01Built Wipro into a global technology companyBusiness milestone
02Founder of Azim Premji FoundationBusiness milestone
03Major philanthropic commitment to educationBusiness milestone
04Padma Bhushan recipientBusiness milestone
Timeline

How the business journey developed

1945

Born in Bombay

Premji was born into a business family and later took responsibility for Wipro at a young age.

1966

Takes charge of Wipro

After his father’s death, he returned from Stanford to lead the family company.

1980s

Technology pivot

Wipro moved into information technology and computing as India’s technology sector began to expand.

1990s–2000s

Global IT growth

Wipro grew into one of India’s major technology-services companies.

2001

Azim Premji Foundation

He created a philanthropic foundation focused strongly on improving school education.

Later years

Philanthropy at scale

Premji committed a large share of his wealth to charitable causes, becoming one of India’s most prominent givers.

Azim Premji
Defining Move

The shift that turned Wipro into a technology powerhouse

Premji’s defining business decision was to steer Wipro toward computing and technology services well before India’s software industry became globally dominant. The move created a new growth path for the company and placed Wipro among the firms that shaped India’s IT reputation.

Business • Entrepreneurship • India
Highlights

Selected achievements and contributions

1

Built Wipro into a global technology company

Built Wipro into a global technology company forms part of Azim Premji’s wider contribution to Indian business and entrepreneurship.

2

Founder of Azim Premji Foundation

Founder of Azim Premji Foundation forms part of Azim Premji’s wider contribution to Indian business and entrepreneurship.

3

Major philanthropic commitment to education

Major philanthropic commitment to education forms part of Azim Premji’s wider contribution to Indian business and entrepreneurship.

4

Padma Bhushan recipient

Padma Bhushan recipient forms part of Azim Premji’s wider contribution to Indian business and entrepreneurship.

5

Padma Vibhushan recipient

Padma Vibhushan recipient forms part of Azim Premji’s wider contribution to Indian business and entrepreneurship.

6

Influential voice on corporate governance and social responsibility

Influential voice on corporate governance and social responsibility forms part of Azim Premji’s wider contribution to Indian business and entrepreneurship.

Business Identity

What made the journey distinctive

Premji’s defining business decision was to steer Wipro toward computing and technology services well before India’s software industry became globally dominant. The move created a new growth path for the company and placed Wipro among the firms that shaped India’s IT reputation.

Legacy & Impact

Impact on Indian business and entrepreneurship

His impact extends beyond business. Through sustained giving and institution-building in education, Premji helped establish a model of large-scale Indian philanthropy tied to long-term public systems rather than short-term charity.

Sources & References

References for Azim Premji’s life and work

Wipro

Official company history and leadership context.

View source →
Azim Premji Foundation

Official philanthropy and education work.

View source →
Padma Awards

Government of India civilian honours records.

View source →
Azim Premji University

Institutional education work and public research.

View source →
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Azim Premji

Who is Azim Premji?

Over decades, Premji helped turn Wipro from a consumer-products company into a global technology business while building a major philanthropic legacy focused on education.

What is Azim Premji best known for?

Built Wipro into a global technology company, Founder of Azim Premji Foundation, Major philanthropic commitment to education.

Why is Azim Premji important to Indian business?

His impact extends beyond business. Through sustained giving and institution-building in education, Premji helped establish a model of large-scale Indian philanthropy tied to long-term public systems rather than short-term charity.

What are some major career milestones?

Global IT growth, Azim Premji Foundation, Philanthropy at scale.

India Ki Shaan Biography Archive

Know a fact, source or story we should review?

Help us improve the archive by suggesting reliable information or another Indian personality worth documenting.

Submit a Suggestion →