Azim Premji Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name: Azim Hashim Premji

Nickname: Bill Gates of India

Profession(s): Indian Business Tycoon, Investor, and Philanthropist

Date of Birth: 24 July 1945 (Tuesday)

Age (as of 2023): 78 Years

Birthplace: Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India

Zodiac sign: Leo

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Religion: Shia Islam

Age: 78 Years

Check Out Other Celebrities Biography

EDUCATION

School: St. Mary School Mumbai, India

University: Stanford University, California, USA

Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree from Stanford University

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 2″ (157 cm)

Weight (approx.): 65 Kg (143 lbs)

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour: Grey

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – Mohamed Hashem Premji, Famous Industrialist Mother – Name Not Known, Doctor Brother – Name Not Known Sister – Not Known

Marital Status: Married

Wife/Spouse: Yasmeen Premji (author)

Children: Sons – Rishad Premji (Business Person) Tariq Premji Daughter – None

Wife: Yasmeen Premji

MONEY FACTOR

Car(s): Ford Escort, Toyota Sedan, Toyota Corolla

Cars Collection: Ford Escort, Toyota Sedan, Toyota Corolla, Mercedes E- Class

House/Estate: He owns a large bungalow and a garden on Walkers Road in Coonoor

Net Worth (approx.): $12 billion (as of March 2024) [1] Forbes

OTHER INFORMATION

Hobbies: Hiking, Jogging, Playing Golf

Food: Dosa

Colour: Black

Businessmen: Dhirubhai Ambani , Bill Gates

Actor(s): Aamir Khan , Shah Rukh Khan

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Azim Premji, a prominent figure in India’s business landscape, was born in Bombay into a Shia Muslim family with ancestral ties to Kutch, Gujarat. His father, Mohamed Hashem Premji, known as the “Rice King of Burma,” was a distinguished businessman who made a pivotal decision during the tumultuous times of India’s partition, opting to remain in India despite an invitation from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to settle in the newly formed Pakistan. This strong commitment to his homeland laid the foundation for Azim’s impressive journey, one that would see him transform his father’s legacy into a global powerhouse.

Tragedy struck in 1966 with the untimely death of his father, forcing the young Azim to abandon his bachelor’s degree and assume the responsibilities of Western Indian Vegetable Products Ltd, or WIPRO Ltd. The company, founded by his father in 1945 in the small town of Amalner, Maharashtra, initially specialized in the production of laundry soap and cooking oils. Under Azim’s leadership, WIPRO evolved far beyond its original scope. He broadened the company’s horizons, venturing into diverse sectors such as hair care soaps, lighting products, bakery fats, baby toiletries, and even hydraulic cylinders, demonstrating a remarkable ability to pivot in response to market demands.

In the 1980s, recognizing the burgeoning potential of the information technology sector, Azim shifted WIPRO’s focus from soaps to software, marking a significant turning point in the company’s trajectory. Collaborating with Sentinel Computer Corporation, an American firm, he began manufacturing minicomputers, and in doing so, WIPRO transitioned into one of the world’s leading information technology consulting and outsourcing firms. This strategic pivot not only expanded WIPRO’s global footprint but also positioned Azim as a key player in the tech industry. By 2000, he had completed his engineering degree, a pursuit he had set aside many years earlier, underscoring his commitment to personal growth amidst his corporate responsibilities.

Azim’s journey has not only been about business success; it is also marked by a deep commitment to philanthropy. In 2001, he established the Azim Premji Foundation, which has since funded over 5,000 rural schools across India, reflecting his dedication to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children. His philanthropic efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from Wesleyan University in 2009 for his exceptional contributions to society. In recognition of his distinguished work, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, followed by the Padma Vibhushan, awarded by then-President Pratibha Patil in 2011. Moreover, his influence has been acknowledged internationally; TIME Magazine recognized him twice in its list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

Beyond his professional endeavors, Azim Premji is a family man who enjoys hiking and watching movies with his loved ones. He often cites his mother as a profound source of inspiration, aspiring to emulate her values and actions. His remarkable impact on both business and society has placed him among the most powerful individuals in India, as noted by India Today in its 2017 ranking of the “50 Most Powerful People.” As the first Indian to participate in the Giving Pledge, a campaign encouraging billionaires to donate a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes, Azim continues to exemplify a life dedicated to altruism and progress, firmly establishing his legacy in both the corporate world and the realm of philanthropy.

—

Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.