India’s Richest Muslim: Azim Premji’s Incredible Success & ₹27 Crore Daily Donations
Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro, is not only one of India’s wealthiest individuals but also its most generous philanthropist. Born in Mumbai in 1945, he hails from a well-established business family. His father, Mohammad Premji, was a successful rice trader who rejected an offer from Pakistan’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, to settle there as finance minister, choosing to stay in India instead. After Mohammad Premji’s passing in 1966, Azim Premji returned from his studies in the U.S. to take over the family business, transforming Wipro into a global IT powerhouse.
Beyond business, his philanthropy is unparalleled, with daily donations of ₹27 crore focused on education and social welfare. In the financial year 2020-21 alone, he contributed ₹9,713 crore to charitable causes. As of early 2025, his net worth stands at $12.2 billion (₹1,01,460 crore), making him India’s wealthiest Muslim. Despite his immense fortune, Premji remains dedicated to giving back, setting an inspiring example of success with purpose.
India’s Richest Muslim: Azim Premji’s Incredible Success & ₹27 Crore Daily Donations
When discussing India’s business giants, names like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Ratan Tata dominate the conversation. Yet, one name shines uniquely bright—not just for his business empire but for his extraordinary generosity—Azim Premji, the visionary behind Wipro. Unlike many tycoons, Premji’s legacy isn’t defined solely by wealth but by his unwavering commitment to giving back. Every day, his family donates sums that surpass what most people earn in a lifetime, making him a role model for blending success with social responsibility.
From Humble Beginnings to Business Legacy
Born in 1945 in Mumbai, Azim Premji was raised in a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship. His father, Mohammad Premji, built a thriving rice trading business, initially in Myanmar (then Burma) before shifting operations to India in the 1940s. The Premji family’s story took a historic turn during India’s partition in 1947 when Pakistan’s founding leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, personally invited Mohammad Premji to relocate to Pakistan, even offering him the prestigious role of finance minister. However, Mohammad chose to stay in India—a decision that would shape his son Azim’s future.
While the family remained in India, Azim’s elder brother, Farooq Premji, moved to Pakistan in 1965 after marriage. A year later, tragedy struck when Mohammad Premji passed away unexpectedly. At just 21, Azim Premji was studying engineering at Stanford University in the U.S. when he had to leave his education behind to take charge of the family business. Few could have predicted that this young man would turn a modest vegetable oil and rice trading company into a global IT powerhouse.
Transforming Wipro into a Tech Titan
When Azim Premji returned to India, Western India Vegetable Products Limited (later renamed Wipro) was a small-scale operation. However, Premji had a vision that extended far beyond traditional trading. Sensing the potential of India’s emerging technology sector, he pivoted Wipro toward information technology in the 1980s. Under his leadership, the company became a pioneer in software services, competing with global giants like IBM and Infosys. Today, Wipro is a multibillion-dollar conglomerate with a presence in over 60 countries, employing thousands. Premji’s sharp business acumen earned him the nickname “Czar of IT” and positioned him among India’s most respected entrepreneurs.
Philanthropy: A Lifelong Mission
What truly sets Azim Premji apart is his dedication to philanthropy. In 2001, he established the Azim Premji Foundation, focusing on improving education and healthcare in rural India. His belief that “wealth is a responsibility, not a privilege” drives his generosity. Reports reveal that the Premji family donates approximately ₹27 crore daily to charitable causes. To put this in perspective, that’s equivalent to funding 1,000 high-quality schools every single day!
In the financial year 2020-21 alone, Premji donated ₹9,713 crore (around $1.3 billion), making him India’s top philanthropist. His contributions support initiatives like teacher training programs, healthcare access for underserved communities, and disaster relief efforts. His foundation has impacted millions of lives, proving that his generosity is as remarkable as his business success.
Wealth with Purpose
As of early 2025, Azim Premji’s net worth is estimated at $12.2 billion (₹1,01,460 crore), making him India’s wealthiest Muslim. He ranks 19th among India’s richest and 195th globally, according to Forbes. Yet, Premji’s true pride lies not in these rankings but in his ability to drive social change. In 2019, he signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate over half his wealth to charity—a rare move among Indian billionaires.
Even after stepping down as Wipro’s chairman in 2019, Premji remains actively involved in philanthropy. His story isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder but about using that success to uplift others. From rejecting a political career in Pakistan to revolutionizing India’s IT sector and championing education, Azim Premji’s journey is a testament to humility, vision, and the power of giving.
In a world where wealth often equates to excess, Premji stands as a beacon of hope, proving that true success lies in making a difference. His life reminds us that no matter how high we rise, our greatest legacy is the good we do for others.