Hyderabad : Just less than 12 hours prior to the day India votes to elect its next government, predominantly on the promise of economic growth, Azim Premji, a philanthropist and Wipro chairman, rooted for an inclusive economic growth in the country.
“There is extraordinary inequality, deprivation, and injustice all around us. I think we need to be conscious of this reality, because it is highly intelligent and capable people like you (ISB graduates) who are key to making our country better. India does not need just growth, it needs inclusive growth,” said Mr Premji, addressing 13th graduation day of Indian School of Business (ISB) here on Sunday.
Recalling an incident in Yadgir district in Karnataka, Mr Premji said he found poor parents send children, who are less than the schooling age, to school along with their elder siblings because that is the only way the little kid can get lunch — by eating from his brother’s free mid-day meal. Extolling ISB pass outs to reach out to the poor, Mr Premji said: “You must get engaged with people who are far less privileged than you. I think you must devote your time if not your resources... Because it is very very important from the point of view of the development of our country.”
Counselling the ISB students about their careers, Mr Premji said no innovation or big idea can compensate for lack of hard work and perserverance. “What really builds and sustains success, are the much ignored ordinary things. The three ordinary things that we often don’t pay enough attention to, but which I believe are the drivers of all success are hard work, perseverance and basic honesty,” said the philanthropist, who donated a large share of his personal wealth for charity.
