Azim Premji Foundation

Wipro’s success is a direct result of Premji’s keen ability to identify gaps and create systems to fill needs. He applied this same lens to his philanthropy, commissioning an analysis of critical gaps and needs across Indian society prior to establishing the foundation. The analysis offered a range of options, but Premji selected public education as an issue that could impact millions of lives.

In 2013, Premji signed the Giving Pledge and reflected in his pledge letter his personal belief that, “Education is the most important social institution to empower individuals and perhaps shape a better society.” Premji believed in creating an operating foundation from the outset. Early projects focused on working with state governments across India to assess and redefine curricula, update textbooks and train teachers. Given the vast diversity of the country, learnings from those early years highlighted the need for more contextualized, local systems. As a result, the foundation established and staffed field institutions across the country. These institutions work locally with state government offices and schools to strengthen policies and strive for universal access and quality of education at all levels.

Stemming from its work in education and an identified gap in teaching and leadership talent, the foundation established Azim Premji University in 2010 to offer undergraduate, graduate and research programs to prepare education professionals for work in public education. Today, undergraduate programs provide a broad-based liberal arts education, while degree-centered and short-term teaching programs focus on education-adjacent fields that aim to contribute to a just and equitable society, including health, governance and sustainability. University research programs contribute to policy and practice in these fields.

In addition to the foundation and university, The Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives—called "The Philanthropy"—support other social sector organizations through multi-year grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve access to essential health and social services in rural and urban communities in need. The Philanthropy also collaborates with state governments across India to address large-scale humanitarian and development challenges.

Under Premji’s leadership, the Azim Premji Foundation upholds his personal credo that those with the privilege of wealth are responsible for creating a better world for everyone.

Contributor: Dion McDougal