Thaindian News

Bangalore, March 22 (IANS) Former Wipro executive Anurag Behar was 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 organisation 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 calibre 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 organisations 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.