Cyrus S. Poonawalla

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The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley felicitating Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, at the Iranshah Udvada Utsav, in Udvada, Gujarat on December 27, 2015

Cyrus S. Poonawalla is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and the founder of the Serum Institute of India (SII), which is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally. Born in 1941 in Pune, India, Poonawalla comes from a family that had established its wealth in the horse racing industry. However, he shifted his focus towards the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, aiming to create affordable healthcare solutions for the masses.

Early Life and Education

Cyrus Poonawalla was born into a Parsi family. His father, Soli Poonawalla, was a well-known figure in the Indian horse racing scene, owning several racehorses. Cyrus grew up on the family farm, called the Poonawalla Stud Farms, where he developed an interest in horse breeding. He pursued his higher education at the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, University of Pune, where he obtained a degree in commerce.

Career

In 1966, leveraging his background in horse breeding, Cyrus Poonawalla founded the Serum Institute of India with the aim of manufacturing life-saving immunobiologicals, including vaccines, which were in short supply in India and many other parts of the world. He was inspired by the idea that the serum from horses could be used to create vaccines at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

Under his leadership, the Serum Institute of India has grown exponentially and now supplies vaccines to over 170 countries. The Institute has played a crucial role in the global fight against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella. It has also been at the forefront in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, producing millions of doses of vaccines for global distribution.

Philanthropy

Cyrus Poonawalla is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education. Through the Poonawalla Foundation, he has contributed to various charitable causes, including the construction of hospitals, schools, and research centers.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Cyrus Poonawalla has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, as well as his philanthropic work. These include the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, which was bestowed upon him by the Government of India in recognition of his contributions to the field of medicine and research.

Personal Life

Cyrus Poonawalla is married and has one son, Adar Poonawalla, who is currently the CEO of the Serum Institute of India. The Poonawalla family is known for their lavish lifestyle and their collection of luxury cars.

Legacy

Cyrus S. Poonawalla's vision and entrepreneurial spirit have not only made a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape but have also positioned India as a key player in the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. His work has saved millions of lives worldwide, making him a pivotal figure in global health.