Microsoft co-founder and chairman, Bill Gates, Wipro chairman Azim Premji and Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata jointly hosted a meeting for corporate leaders from various industries to share ideas on philanthropy at a hotel.

The philanthropy meeting began at around 3 pm and ended at 8 pm and was attended by as many as 80 corporates from various cities of the country. Sunil Bharti Mittal, G V K Reddy, S Gopalakrishnan, Anu Aga, Rohini and Nandan Nilekani, Naveen Jindal, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and V G Siddhartha were among those present for the event.

“The group expressed belief that philanthropy and social service are integral to the development of any society. The meeting was focused on sharing ideas on philanthropy and not about any pledges. It discussed social work in areas like education, health, water and agriculture,” said Azim Premji Foundation.

It is believed that Mr. Premji has invited all the leaders in his personal capacity. The not-for-profit Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said that the event was a private discussion for philanthropy and social service in India. The press was not invited to the private event.