Happy Birthday Azim Premji: 10 interesting facts to know about Wipro chairman

Forbes Asia named Azim Premji as Asia's most generous philanthropist in 2019 when he donated his shares worth $7.6 billion in Wipro to his education-focussed Azim Premji Foundation. 

Azim Premji was enrolled in Stanford University's Bachelor of Science programme at the age of 21. He dropped out and started running Wipro because of his father's unexpected death. He completed his education after more than 30 years. 

Muhammad Hashem Premji, the father of Azim Premji, received an invitation to visit Pakistan from Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the neighbouring nation and also their first first governor-general. However, His father rejected the invitation and stayed in India.

The second-highest civilian honour in India, the Padma Vibhushan, was given to Azim Premji in 2011.

From time and again, Premji has pointed out that he admires Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (JRD Tata), the founder of the country’s largest conglomerate, the Tata Group.

Azim Premji gave Rs 9,713 crore in donations in FY21, or Rs 27 million a day, to maintain his top spot among Indian philanthropists.

Azim Premji received an honorary doctorate from Middletown's Wesleyan University in 2009.

According to Forbes, Premji has a $8.6 billion net worth as of July 2022.

Despite donating a huge part of his wealth, Premji has remained one of the top richest men in India. Currently, he is on the 18th spot on Forbes’ India's 100 Richest People list.

Azim Premji is married to Yasmeen Premji. He has two children Rishad Premji and Tariq Premji.