In the realm of global business, few names command the same respect as Azim Premji, the Indian entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist who transformed a struggling cooking oil company into one of the world's leading tech giants—Wipro Limited. But perhaps even more remarkable than his business success is the story behind it: a young man studying engineering at Stanford University in the United States, who dropped out at the age of 21 to return home after the sudden death of his father. That decision, driven by family duty, would ultimately change the course of his life—and India's business landscape.
Azim Premji’s journey is not just a tale of business acumen, but of deep integrity, simplicity, and service. It is a story of how dropping out of university, far from being a setback, became the starting point of a legacy that combines innovation, leadership, and unmatched philanthropy.
Early Life and Education
Azim Hashim Premji was born on July 24, 1945, into a wealthy Gujarati Muslim family in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. His father, Mohammed Hashim Premji, was a prominent businessman who had founded Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd. in 1945, the same year Azim was born. The company initially manufactured hydrogenated cooking oil under the brand name "Sunflower Vanaspati."
Premji was sent to the United States for higher education and enrolled at Stanford University to study electrical engineering. At the time, few would have guessed that he would not finish his degree in the traditional sense. However, fate had other plans.
The Turning Point: A Sudden Call to Lead
In 1966, while Premji was still a student at Stanford, his father passed away unexpectedly. At just 21 years old, Premji was forced to make a life-altering decision: continue his studies or return to India to take over the family business. He chose the latter.
The decision to leave Stanford was not easy, especially given the expectations that come with an elite education. But for Premji, family responsibility came first. He returned to India, where many doubted whether a young man with limited business experience could successfully manage the company.
In the years that followed, Premji not only proved his critics wrong—he redefined what was possible.
Transforming Wipro: From Oil to IT Powerhouse
When Premji took over Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd., it was primarily a manufacturer of edible oils and soaps. Under his leadership, the company diversified into other consumer products like bakery fats, toiletries, and hydraulic cylinders. But his most visionary move came in the 1980s, when the Indian government began to open the doors to the IT industry.
Premji saw the potential of software and information technology long before many others in India. In 1980, Wipro entered the computer hardware and software business, becoming one of the first Indian companies to do so. Over time, Wipro shifted its focus entirely to IT services and consulting.
Today, Wipro Limited is one of India’s largest and most respected technology companies, serving clients around the globe. It employs over 250,000 people across 60 countries and generates billions of dollars in annual revenue.
The “Barefoot Billionaire”
Despite his enormous success, Azim Premji became known for his frugal lifestyle and humility. He flew economy class, drove a modest Toyota Corolla, and stayed in company guest houses instead of luxury hotels. His grounded personality earned him the nickname "the barefoot billionaire."
Unlike many business magnates who seek fame and attention, Premji largely shunned the spotlight. He focused instead on building value, empowering his employees, and giving back to society.
A Legacy of Philanthropy: Giving While Living
If Premji’s business achievements are remarkable, his philanthropic contributions are even more inspiring.
In 2001, he created the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on improving education in rural India. The Foundation works across multiple states, running schools, training teachers, and funding education-related research.
In 2010, Premji made headlines when he became the first Indian to sign the Giving Pledge, an initiative started by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, promising to donate at least half of his wealth to charity.
But Premji went far beyond that commitment. In 2019, he transferred $7.5 billion worth of Wipro shares to the Azim Premji Foundation, bringing his total philanthropic commitment to over $21 billion. This made him not just the most generous Indian philanthropist in history, but also one of the top five philanthropists globally.
He famously said, "I strongly believe that those of us who are privileged to have wealth should contribute significantly to try and create a better world for the millions who are far less privileged."
Finishing What He Started
Though he dropped out of Stanford in 1966, Premji never forgot his academic roots. Many years later, he quietly returned to complete the coursework he had left unfinished. In 1999, Stanford awarded him an honorary degree in recognition of his achievements in both business and philanthropy.
Premji’s commitment to education didn’t stop there. In 2010, he established the Azim Premji University in Bangalore, aimed at developing professionals in education and social sectors and fostering research for social change.
Recognition and Awards
Azim Premji's contributions have earned him accolades both in India and internationally. He has appeared on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people and was awarded the Padma Bhushan (2005) and Padma Vibhushan (2011)—two of India's highest civilian honors.
In 2021, he was recognized as the greatest philanthropist of the year by the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List, further cementing his reputation as a business leader who gives back.
Lessons from Azim Premji’s Life
Azim Premji’s story challenges conventional ideas about success and education. His decision to drop out of Stanford was born out of necessity, but it set the stage for a life of innovation, impact, and service. His story offers several key lessons:
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Purpose over prestige: Premji chose responsibility over reputation, family duty over personal ambition. It was a selfless act that paved the way for massive social and economic impact.
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Adaptability is power: He transformed Wipro from an oil company into a tech giant—showcasing an extraordinary ability to anticipate future trends and pivot strategically.
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Success means giving back: His philanthropy is a testament to his belief that true success lies not in how much you earn, but in how much you give.
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Stay grounded: Despite immense wealth, Premji remained humble, frugal, and focused on values. In an age of excess, his simplicity is both rare and admirable.
Conclusion
Azim Premji’s journey from Stanford dropout to one of the most respected business leaders and philanthropists in the world is not just inspiring—it’s instructive. In a society that often equates degrees with success, Premji’s life proves that values, vision, and responsibility can be just as powerful.
He didn’t just build a company; he built a legacy rooted in empathy, excellence, and equity. In dropping out of university, Azim Premji did not abandon education—he redefined it. In choosing family over personal ambition, he found a purpose greater than himself. And in giving away most of his wealth, he set a standard that few billionaires have come close to matching.
Azim Premji didn’t just change his company or his country. He changed the world.
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