THE HUMBLE BILLIONAIRE
The details of this event can be found in The Times of India (June 27, 1999) and other newspapers and magazines of that time. According to these reports, Mr. Azim Hashim Premji has accumulated so much wealth that he has become the richest person in India, surpassing even Kumar Mangalam Birla and Dhirubhai Ambani.
His extensive business empire ranges from soap to computers. Due to his father’s death, he could not finish his engineering studies. However, today, hundreds of engineers and non-engineers work in his businesses. “He is extremely hardworking and has unique qualities. For instance, he speaks very little. Once, while experts were gathered around his table discussing a project, Mr. Azim Hashim Premji did not say a single word during the entire meeting. He simply took a sheet of paper and a pencil and quietly made his notes. He is also remarkably humble. Despite his wealth, he travels in economy class on flights and never stays in five-star hotels. Once, when he arrived at Bangalore airport, the office car wasn’t there to pick him up despite prior notice. He quietly took an auto rickshaw to his office and began his work without showing any displeasure.
Success can be attained anywhere, as long as one meets the necessary conditions of hard work and effort.
