Get fundamentals right

Azim Premji’s inspiring speech at ISB graduation ceremony

There is a general feeling in people that one should do extraordinary things and innovate. Doing these things are good but what is important is to do the fundamental things right. At Wipro we have done things with candour for the last 40 years. Doing the basic things well and with tenacity is what is needed, said Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Ltd while addressing the students of the Indian School of Business here on Sunday.

Azim Premji was the chief guest for the 13th graduation ceremony of the Indian School of Business. PGP Class of 2014 and PGPMAX Class of 2013 celebrated their graduation day at the Hyderabad campus.

Azim Premji urged the students to work for social engagement. “You are all privileged but there is a need to engage with the underprivileged.” Citing examples of the initiatives of Wipro in social engagement especially in the field of education he said that in rural India there was a great need to empower the youth and the communities.

Earlier, Ajit Rangnekar, Dean, ISB, spoke on the need for students to not just look at GDP and fat pay packets but also to look at inclusiveness and sustainable development.

The ISB alumni today are spread across 100 cities in India and abroad. About 350 have started enterprises ranging from biotechnology, textiles to social empowerment sector. ISB has produced over 100 case studies that are used in over 40 countries in the world. Last year 25 papers by the ISB faculty appeared in peer reviewed journals.

Students contributed over Rs 60 lakh to ISB towards the Alumni Endowment Fund. Adi Godrej, chairman, ISB called the students to become role models to unlock the country’s true potential. About 125 students from Hyderabad and Mohali campus won individual and team competitions nationally and globally.

Family members of the graduating students cheered enthusiastically when they received the graduation certificate.