Azim Premji

The book is largely praised for its comprehensive portrayal of Azim Premji, highlighting his distinctive personality, unwavering values, and significant philanthropic endeavors. Reviewers commend the deep dive into his character, emphasizing his integrity, frugal lifestyle, and commitment to ethical business practices, such as refusing to pay bribes. The narrative effectively chronicles Wipro's remarkable transformation from a vegetable oil company into a global IT powerhouse, detailing its diversification and the entrepreneurial ecosystem it fostered. A major highlight for many is the extensive coverage of the Azim Premji Foundation and his substantial contributions to philanthropy, particularly in education, which serves as a powerful source of inspiration. The authors are also credited for their extensive research and for attempting a balanced perspective that doesn't shy away from the subject's complexities.

Despite the rich subject matter, several reviewers expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the book's execution. A common criticism is the noticeable repetition of facts and information across chapters, suggesting a lack of stringent editing. Many felt that the book leaned too heavily on Wipro's corporate evolution rather than offering sufficient personal insights into Azim Premji himself, partly due to the authors not having interviewed him directly. This led some to question its classification as a personal biography. Additionally, some readers found the quality of anecdotes to be underwhelming, expecting more compelling stories given the access the authors had to people close to Premji. Concerns were also raised about the book's structure, with some perceiving it as a collection of dumped information rather than a smoothly flowing narrative, occasionally overwhelmed by excessive data and names. The book also covers business missteps and internal challenges faced by the company and its leadership.

Overall, the book is considered a valuable resource for those seeking to understand Azim Premji's life and the journey of Wipro, despite its structural and editorial shortcomings. It offers an inspiring account of a unique business leader and his profound impact through philanthropy. This book would particularly appeal to readers interested in the genesis and growth of the Indian IT industry, the principles of ethical business leadership, and the transformative power of large-scale philanthropy. It is recommended for anyone looking for an introduction to Azim Premji, his values, and the significant work of the Azim Premji Foundation, offering insights into both the successes and challenges faced throughout his career.