Azim Premji bags Asian Business Leaders Award in UK

Wipro chairman Azim Premji has been awarded the Asian Business Leaders Award 2013 for his 'impressive business credentials' and service to society by London-based Asia House.

'Azim Premji was selected to receive this year's award because of his impressive business credentials and his significant efforts to inspire a commitment in others to improving society,' Asia House said in a statement here today.

The award will be presented at a gala ceremony in London on October 14.

Past recipients of the honour includes Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, and Lord Stephen Green, UK's minister of state for trade and investment and former group chairman of HSBC Holdings.

Asia House is a non-profit organisation with a mission to bring the UK and Asia closer through business, policy and culture.

Their annual award recognises individuals who embody the concept of 'Servant Leader' - economic success and professional excellence accompanied by moral leadership and service to society.

Premji, 68, founder and chairman of Wipro- India's leading global information technology, consulting and outsourcing company - is known for his business acumen as well as philanthropy.

Earlier this year, he became the first Indian to sign up to the Giving Pledge, an undertaking led by the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet for the world's billionaires to dedicate a majority of their wealth to philanthropy.