06:00, 28 February 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Azim Premji, one of India’s most influential business leaders, is widely known for his remarkable journey with Wipro, the technology giant he transformed into a global leader.
However, in recent years, Premji has become equally renowned for his philanthropic work, donating a substantial portion of his wealth to causes aimed at improving education and social equality in India.
Premji’s approach to philanthropy can be traced back to his early experiences. In 2001, he was shaken by the death of his father, which led him to take control of Wipro at a young age. At the time, Wipro was a small vegetable oil company, but under Premji’s leadership, it blossomed into an international technology enterprise. Despite his success, Premji has always believed in using wealth for the greater good.
In 2001, he established the Azim Premji Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of education in India, focusing on rural areas. The foundation aims to address systemic challenges within India’s educational sector, from teacher training to access to resources, particularly in underserved communities.
Over the years, it has expanded its reach, collaborating with government bodies, schools, and other stakeholders to create a lasting impact.
The foundation's work is rooted in Premji’s belief that education is the most powerful tool for social and economic change.
Azim Premji’s philanthropic efforts are not just limited to education. He has committed over half of his wealth to charity through the Azim Premji Foundation, making him one of the largest individual donors globally. His commitment to giving back is unmatched in India, with Premji being a prominent advocate for “giving while living.”
To quote what it says on the Azim Premji Foundation website: “Good schooling is the first step towards social change.” and this is what follows through in Premji’s ethos.
Premji’s views on business and philanthropy are deeply intertwined. He argues that businesses should be driven by more than just profit.
His approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) has influenced Wipro’s practices, integrating social impact into the company’s core operations. The tech giant has contributed to various causes, including rural development, healthcare, and education, with Premji ensuring that social responsibility is an integral part of its business strategy.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Azim Premji Foundation. Established by Azim Premji, this organisation focuses on improving the quality of education in rural India. Find out more.
Pratham. One of the largest NGOs in India that aims to provide quality education to underprivileged children focused on making education accessible and impactful for all children, regardless of their background. Learn more here.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This organisation focuses on providing mid-day meals to school children across India. Their efforts to improve education are deeply connected to providing children with what’s needed to thrive in their learning environment. Support them here.