Azim Premji tops philanthropy list with donation of Rs 8,000 crore

Wipro founder Azim Premji topped the list of the philanthropists as he donated over Rs 12,000 crore of his personal wealth in one and a half years.

The 69-year-old Bengaluru-based industralist once again proved to be world's most generous person as donated as much Rs 12,316 crore of his personal wealth in the period between April 2013 to October 2014. It is six times more than any the person who stood second on the list.

There is no harm in being a rich person. But along with wealth, comes the responsibility to serve society and the less fortunate within the community. 

Unlike many others, Azim Premji just used his billionaire tag to serve the needy. He lives a simple life, contrary to the resources available to him. Therefore, it didn't come as a surprise when earlier today, he announced that he would donate half of his Wipro stake towards charity. To give you an exact figure, Premji has donated a whoping Rs. 53,284 crores to his charitable organization. What an exceptional man!

No wonder, Azim Premji has been an inspiration to a generation who aspire to be successful entrepreneurs.

Pritish Nandy tweeted his appreciation in awe of Azim Premji when he heard the news.

Azim Premji never ceases to surprise me. Few have his brains. Even fewer have his heart. https://t.co/u8u6adBNqQ

— Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) July 8, 2015

Anil Agarwal of London-based Vedanta Resources gave away Rs 1,796 crore and came in second in the list.

HCL founder Shiv Nadar donated Rs 1,136 crore, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, donated Rs 620 crore. Reliance Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh Ambani donated Rs 603 crore.

The Nilekanis came in sixth in the list as they donated nearly Rs 500 crore. Google's KR Shriram donated Rs 377 crore.

Entrepreuner Ronnie Screwvala and his wife Zarina donated Rs 350 crore.

Infosys' Kris Gopalkrishnan donated Rs 255 crore and rounding up the top ten was construction tycoon Ravi Pillai having donated Rs 145 crore.

The list has been compiled by the Shanghai-based The Hurun Research Institute.