Apropos Apurva Venkat's article, "Wipro journey under Azim Premji" (August 18), what is remarkable about the company's growth from a $2-million oil manufacturing company to a $7-billion company with presence in 60 countries is that it is founded on strong values and is led by an authentic leader, Azim Premji, since 1966.
Premji has lived up to the credo of his company all along: "In our way of working, we attach a great deal of importance to humility and honesty; with respect for human values, we promise to serve our customers with integrity." Those who know him or have worked with him vouch for his honesty, decency, fairness, simplicity, hard work and courtesy in dealings. He leads from the front. He follows the advice he gives to employees: "work hard, work harder".
His philanthropic work is notable. The Azim Premji Foundation was established in 2001 and has contributed quite a bit to the field of education. His transfer of equity shares worth Rs 213 million to the foundation is believed to be the biggest-ever educational donation in the country.
Premji's take on the cycle of success and failure is memorable: "Life has many challenges. You win some and lose some. You must enjoy winning. But do not let it go to the head. The moment it does, you are already on your way to failure. And if you do encounter failure along the way, treat it as an equally natural phenomenon. The important thing is, when you lose, do not lose the lesson."
Y G Chouksey Pune
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