(Image source from: Wipro Chairman Azim Premji attending RSS event created ripples})

Wipro chairperson Azim Premji on Sunday caused ripples of surprise when he attended Rashtriya Sewa Sangam, a meeting of NGOs organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Premji was invited by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat who was present on the dais when the entrepreneur-philanthropist addressed the gathering.

Admitting that "some people expressed apprehension" over his participation at an RSS meet on the ground that it would be "seen as endorsing the ideology of the Sangh", Premji said that "merely speaking at a particular forum does not in any way mean that one endorses all, or any, of the views that might be expressed at the forum, or which may be held by the organizers".

Premji said he was "not a political person" but "deeply interested in and concerned about my country".

Focusing primarily on education as the ultimate game changer, Premji also told the gathering of nearly 500 NGOs - mostly Sangh affiliates - that as a "great pluralistic nation, we must accept our differences".

"It is vital that we accept them and find a common ground to work together. Negative people only focus on differences. How empowering it would be for us as a nation if we focus on common causes," Premji said. "If there are differences of views or divergence of ideas, they can only be resolved through discussion and dialogue," he added.

The Wipro founder said change in education system was possible only if all stakeholders worked together, especially teachers. He highlighted the critical role of teachers and how they needed to be empowered and given "adequate voice". Premji suggested reforms in Cluster and Block Resource Centres as well as 600-plus District Institutes of Educational Training.

@timesofindia

- Manohar. M