Alumni Profile: Prem Watsa

V. Prem Watsa, a highly accomplished businessman and IIT Madras alumni, is a remarkable personality who has left an indelible mark on the world of finance and philanthropy. Hailing from Hyderabad, Watsa went on to become one of the most successful businessmen in the world. He completed his early education in India before pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras. Soon after he moved to Canada to complete his MBA from the University of Western Ontario and began his career in the financial sector. His career really took off when he joined Markel Financial, an insurance and investment firm where he played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and success.

In 1985, Watsa founded Fairfax Financial Holdings, an insurance and investment company that became a global conglomerate under his leadership. With a diverse portfolio of businesses, Watsa was able to successfully identify undervalued companies. His talent for risk assessment in business got him the title of ‘Canada’s Warren Buffet’. He became an important name in the industry for his unorthodox investment strategies and ability to chart challenging marketing conditions. 

Watsa’s time at IIT Madras played a crucial role in shaping his success. It instilled him with a strong foundation in analytical thinking, and provided him with engineering principles and problem solving skills that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors. In addition to academics, IIT Madras played a significant role in providing him with an excellent network of intellectuals and alumni. Combined with the institute’s academic rigor, the intellectual stimulation offered by faculty and peers contributed to Watsa’s growth as a professional and helped build a foundation for his future success.

Achievements aside, it is worth noting that Watsa, like any successful individual, also had his share of missed opportunities. Throughout his career there were instances where he could have pursued an alternative, more lucrative opportunity. However, his unwavering determination and belief in his abilities enabled him to make decisions that aligned with his long-term goals and values. A chemical engineer by qualification, he decided not to pursue the conventional path down core industrial avenues. Instead, he focused on his passion, and ultimately through years of grit and hard work, it bore fruit.

Despite his tremendous success abroad, Watsa never forgot his roots at IIT Madras. He generously donated to the institute, through various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education and infrastructure. His contributions have helped establish state of the art research facilities, scholarships for deserving and needy students, and faculty development programs. For his contribution to the institute and society in general, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.