COVID-19 is a "magnifying glass" for structural inequity: Azim Premji

WIPRO founder-chairman Azim Premji spoke about the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world at large, and how it has also brought out the inability of our current system to aid those most in need. The speech was delivered at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (FICCI) 93rd Annual General Meeting in New Delhi on Monday.

More than the "human misery" that the disease has caused, it has actually acted as a way to show us the importance of a good public service system Premji said.

"The pandemic has also been a magnifying glass for all our structural inequities and injustices, which exclude hundreds of millions of our fellow citizens from a life of basic dignity…If all of us come together - governments, industry, civil society, politicians, the average citizen, and more…we can truly hope to have a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society," Premji elaborated.

He also noted that it was important to fulfil basic human needs such as food, security, education, clean environment and basic social security which would allow citizens to live a dignified life, highlighting this as the most important agenda for the government to fulfil.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had also spoken at the virtual inauguration of the meeting, reassuring those present that India would emerge stronger from the crisis.

The theme of this year's FICCI meeting is "Inspired India" and covers a wide range of topics focusing on the impact of the pandemic on commercial and industrial sectors as well and methods for recovery from the same.