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“In a sector like ours, awards are not really what you pursue, however this award is truly special,” Sudheesh Venkatesh, Managing Editor and Chief Communication Officer, Azim Premji Foundation, said, accepting the Award for the Iconic Changemaker at businessline’s Changemaker Awards. “You work to create a positive and lasting social change and you derive satisfaction from the difference you make in the lives of the most disadvantaged people in the country,” he said. It is particularly an honour to be counted among the other distinguished winners in this evening and to be in the same list as illustrious organisations like Amul, who have been awarded in the same category in the past, he noted. ‘Endorses foundation’s work’ The Azim Premji Foundation realises that India’s challenges need to be addressed at scale, Venkatesh said, reiterating that the award endorses their work and reinforces the direction they have chosen. “I assure you, this award will surely spur us to do more and do it faster,” Venkatesh said in his speech, accepting the award on behalf of 3,000 of his colleagues. Sudeesh Venkatesh, MD and Chief Communication Officer Azim Premji Foundation during the businessline Changemakers awards held in Mumbai on Wednesday Video Credit: Businessline At 21 years of age, businessman Azim Premji steered Wipro’s journey from a small oil manufacturer to a global technology giant. However, his legacy is more deep rooted in what he did in 2001. Premji established the Azim Premji Foundation to build a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. With 66 per cent of Wipro’s economic interest committed to this mission, he became India’s foremost philanthropist, pledging over $21 billion. Today, the Azim Premji Foundation has over 2,500 members and works with 1,320 partner organisations across India. Its footprint includes 59 district institutes and 291 teacher learning centres, which serve as hubs for capacity building and community engagement. This year, over 55 lakh children benefit from improved midday meals, while 1,100 rural crèches provide childcare and enable mothers to work across Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Odisha. Beyond this, the foundation supports over 1,150 non-profits, funds health research and sustains India’s arts and culture ecosystem. Published on September 26, 2025
