When Azim Premji created ripples on social media for attending RSS event

Updated: Monday, April 6, 2015, 15:19 [IST]

New Delhi, April 6: Wipro Group chairman and a well known philanthropist Azim Premji attended a RSS function on Sunday. On social media, people reacted sharply as some of them viewed his action as an endorsement of Sangh's ideology .

Premji, who was reportedly invited in the function by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, later clarified that his presence did not mean that he supports the view of the forum on every single issue.

Rejecting such speculation that he was there with any such motive, the IT czar said he believed that merely speaking at a particular forum does not in any way mean that one endorses all or any of the views that are expressed in that forum.

Addressing various delegates at the event organised by 'Rashtriya Sewa Bharati', a Sangh body that supports various organisations in the field of social work, he said he respected the work they did, which was the reason for his presence.

Corporate heavyweights including GMR group chairman G M Rao and Zee group chairman Subhash Chandra were among high profile guests at the event. Premji said if there is divergence or difference of views, they could be resolved through discussion. [Azim Premji tops in philanthropy with Rs 8,000 crore]

To become a truly great country, work is needed on several fronts like elimination of corruption, safety for women, children and disadvantaged sections and support for the poverty stricken, he stressed.

Premji underlined the importance of education especially on primary and secondary education, saying the government has to play a key role in this area and also advocated public investment in this field.

Private sector cannot substitute the role of the government in primary education, he said. Addressing the gathering, G M Rao said he believed that NGOs and philanthropists are social engines for the country. He spoke about the social service ventures of the GMR group and also lauded 'Rashtriya Sewa Bharati' for its efforts.

People have mixed view about Premji's attending the function. Here are some of the tweets where people have reacted both in support and against his action.