The Humble Billionaire

THE HUMBLE BILLIONAIRE I n June 1999, a surprising news story was published in the media. It reported that the wealthiest person in India is a Muslim from Bangalore. His name is Azim Hashim Premji. 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