Ex-Wiproite named Azim Premji University VC

Former Wipro executive Anurag Behar was on Tuesday appointed as the
first vice-chancellor of the newly set up Azim Premji University (APU)
by its chancellor and Wipro chairman Azim Premji.

Behar (42), who spearheaded Wipro Infrastructure Engineering
division's remarkable growth, heads the Azim Premji Foundation (APF),
a non-profit organization launched by Premji to contribute towards a
just, equitable, humane and sustainable society.

During his decade-long association with Wipro, Behar was also involved
in key strategic investment decisions in water and clean energy
sectors.

"Behar was instrumental in making the engineering division number one
in high precision hydraulic cylinders, as the business grew to $300
million in 2010 from $30 million in 2006," Premji said in a statement
here.

The Bangalore-based university is being set-up with a view to educate
and develop professionals of high caliber with commitment to social
causes.

The APU will offer post graduation courses (MA) in education and
development and masters in teacher education programmes from the new
academic year beginning July.

The university will provide placement support for enriching careers in
government, private sector, non-government organizations and
multi-lateral agencies.

"The estimated annual demand for education and development
professionals is about 300,000. The foundation will recruit about
4,000 professionals during the next four years," Premji said.

Selected candidates will get financial assistance, including
scholarships and loans in all deserving cases. Special financial
support will be given to working professionals, who gain admission,
the statement added. IANS