In 1945, a humble company in Amalner, Maharashtra, began as Western India Vegetable Products Limited, manufacturing vegetable oil under the brand name “Sunflower Vanaspati.” Founded by M.H. Hasham Premji, the company’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From producing cooking oil to becoming a global leader in IT services, consumer products, and industrial equipment, Wipro has continuously reinvented itself to stay ahead of the times.
A Visionary at the Helm
The turning point came in 1966 when M.H. Premji passed away unexpectedly, thrusting the responsibility of the family business upon his young son, Azim Premji, who was then a 21-year-old student at Stanford. Azim returned to India, abandoning his studies to lead the company. Little did anyone know that this young man’s vision would transform a small-town company into a global powerhouse.
The Shift from Products to Technology
In the 1970s, Wipro began diversifying its operations. In 1977, the company rebranded as Wipro Products Limited, and by 1982, it had transformed into Wipro Limited, symbolizing its ambition to grow beyond traditional manufacturing. It was in the 1980s that Azim Premji shifted Wipro’s focus toward the emerging field of information technology. Wipro ventured into IT services, creating Wipro Infotech and Wipro Systems, which laid the foundation for its transformation.
Leading India’s IT Revolution
Wipro’s entry into IT services coincided with India’s tech boom. By the 1990s, it was at the forefront of the country’s IT revolution, providing software services to global clients. It diversified further into personal computers, peripherals, and medical diagnostic equipment. In 1998, Wipro became India’s second-largest software exporter, capitalizing on the growing demand for IT services.
Rising to Global Prominence
The early 2000s brought unprecedented growth. During the dot-com boom, Wipro became India’s most valuable company by market capitalization, surpassing competitors and cementing its status as a tech giant. By 2004, it was one of the first Indian IT companies to report over $1 billion in annual revenue. Its focus on innovation continued, with advancements in product engineering, R&D, and the launch of supercomputers like Wipro Supernova. In 2011, in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Wipro developed SAGA-220, India’s fastest supercomputer at the time, deployed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
Embracing the Digital Age
As technology evolved, so did Wipro. From cloud computing and artificial intelligence to robotics and big data, Wipro adapted to the digital era, helping clients worldwide build future-ready organizations. Today, its AI platform, Wipro HOLMES™, accelerates automation and improves efficiency for businesses across industries.
Azim Premji’s Legacy of Philanthropy
While Azim Premji built Wipro into a global technology leader, he has also become renowned for his philanthropy. In 2001, he founded the Azim Premji Foundation, focusing on improving education quality in underserved areas of India. By 2023, he had donated billions to social causes, pledging over 50% of his wealth to philanthropy and becoming one of the world’s leading philanthropists.
Wipro Today
With a workforce of more than 250,000 and operations in over 60 countries, Wipro remains at the forefront of digital transformation, specializing in cybersecurity, AI-driven automation, cloud migration, and data analytics. From its humble beginnings as a vegetable oil manufacturer, Wipro is now shaping the future of global business while creating a positive impact on society.
Wipro’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and reinvention. Azim Premji’s leadership has ensured that Wipro not only leads in business but also drives change for a better, more equitable world.
