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 Azim
Premji, chairman of Wipro, was recently conferred with the honoris
causa degree of Doctor of Engineering by the Indian Institute of
Technology, Roorkee. Prof. S K Joshi, chairman, board of governors-IIT
Roorkee conferred the honour on Premji in the presence of the president
of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Premji, in fact, has a distinguished
predecessor in Dr Kalam who was conferred the degree of Doctor of
Engineering (honoris causa), by IIT-Roorkee when he was the scientific
adviser to the Ministry of Defence.
The citation stated: “Wipro’s growth
continues to be driven by its core values. Mr Premji firmly believes
that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things and takes
personal interest in developing teams and leaders. He invests significant
time as a faculty in Wipro’s leadership development programmes.
Mr Premji established the Azim Premji Foundation, a non-profit organisation,
with a vision of influencing the life of millions of children in
India by facilitating the universalisation of elementary education.
The financial resources for this programme have been personally
contributed by Mr Premji.”
Speaking on the occasion, Premji said, “I
am honoured to accept the Doctoral degree from IIT-Rourkee. This
recognition is not only for me but countless other professionals,
including fellow Wiproites. I am accepting this degree only on their
behalf.” Premji shared the important lessons that he has learned
in his life with the students. They are:
- A rupee earned is of far more value than five found.
- Learn to lose and also to enjoy winning. And when you do lose,
do not lose the lesson.
- Have faith in your own ideas even if everyone tells you they
are wrong. Have enduring faith in yourself because then you will
always have enduring faith in others.
- Life’s battle does not always go to the person who is
stronger and faster. But the person who wins is the person who
thinks he can.
- Strive for excellence. We are what we repeatedly do. Remember,
excellence is not an act but a habit.
- Always keep in mind that it is only the test of fire that makes
find steel.
- Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.
Your values are your foundation for life.
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