Pandemic a 'magnifying glass' for structural inequities

Premji noted that the agenda for the nation must include food, shelter, safety and basic social security, equitable and high-quality public education and public health systems

New Delhi: Wipro Founder Chairman Azim Premji on Monday said the pandemic has been a 'magnifying glass' for structural inequities and injustices that exclude millions of citizens from a life of basic dignity, and has made clear the fundamental role of public systems.

In a message showcased during Ficci's 93rd Annual General Meeting, Premji said the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked staggering human misery and tragedy and has been a sharp reminder that the economy is a part of society and that human well-being matters - in all its dimensions equally.

"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. It has made clear that while markets and businesses have an irreplaceable role in a society, even more fundamental are the public goods and public systems," he added.

Premji noted that the agenda for the nation must include food, shelter, safety and basic social security, equitable and high-quality public education and public health systems, care for the planet and all life on it, elimination of any kind of prejudice and discrimination, and jobs and livelihoods that are just and fair. "If all of us come together - governments, industry, civil society, politicians, the average citizen, and more - I am sure that this agenda can be fulfilled in large measure. And then, we can truly hope to have a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society," Premji added. (PTI)