“People have to take control of their own lives. Education is key because it also raises other social indicators like healthcare.”

Indian businessman and philanthropist

Azim Premji is an Indian businessman and philanthropist, long associated with Wipro. Born in 1945, he served as chairman of the company and remains its founding chairman and a non-executive board member. He is also the chancellor of Azim Premji University in Bangalore. Premji has been widely recognized for his influence and public standing, including being named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2004 and 2011, and among The 500 Most Influential Muslims. He was also voted by Asiaweek in 2010 as one of the 20 most powerful men in the world. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian honor.