File picture of Wipro chairman Azim Premji.
Wipro Group chairman Azim Premji on Sunday said his presence at an event associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) didn't mean that he endorsed the views of the organization.
"Some people expressed apprehension that by attending a forum like this I would be seen as endorsing the ideology of the Sangh. I did not follow the advice because I am not a political person. I am however deeply interested in and concerned about my country. Also, I believe 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 organisers," Mr Premji said, addressing a session attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The 69-year-old industrialist, who is among India's richest men, was trending high on twitter as his presence at the function sparked a buzz.
The RSS is the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP and is widely believed to advise it politically.
The function on Sunday was organized by the "Rashtriya Sewa Bharati," a Sangh body that supports various organisations in the field of social work. Mr Premji said he respected the work they did, which was the reason for his presence.
"If there are differences of views or divergence of ideas they can be resolved through discussion and dialogue," he said.
Mr Premji later spoke on the need to increase public expenditure on school and higher education, which has gone down in the budget.
He said the government has to play a key role in school education and also advocated public investment in the field. "Private sector cannot substitute the role of the government in primary education," he said.
Other corporate heavyweights, including GMR Group chairman GM Rao and Zee Group chairman Subhash Chandra, also attended the event.