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Cyrus Poonawalla is an Indian businessman and philanthropist who is best known for founding the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer. He has dedicated his life to improving public health and has been recognized for his contributions to society. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of Cyrus Poonawalla.
Early Life and Education
Cyrus Poonawalla was born on September 15, 1945, in Pune, India. His father, Soli Poonawalla, was a prominent horse breeder, and his mother, Villoo Poonawalla, was a housewife. Cyrus was the second of three children and grew up in a close-knit family.
Cyrus completed his schooling at the Bishop's School in Pune before going on to study at the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in Pune. He later attended the University of Pune, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology.
Career
In 1966, Cyrus founded the Serum Institute of India, which initially started as a small-scale operation in a garage. He was only 21 years old at the time and had no experience in the field of vaccine manufacturing. However, he was determined to make a difference in the world of public health.
The Serum Institute of India began producing vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), which were in high demand at the time. Cyrus was able to establish partnerships with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, which helped him expand his business globally.
Over the years, Cyrus continued to innovate and expand his operations. He introduced new vaccines such as the measles vaccine, which was crucial in the fight against measles outbreaks in India. He also pioneered the development of a new vaccine for rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea in children.
Under Cyrus' leadership, the Serum Institute of India has become a global leader in vaccine manufacturing. Today, the company produces more than 1.5 billion doses of vaccines every year and exports them to more than 170 countries. Its products include vaccines for diseases such as polio, hepatitis, and influenza.
Philanthropy
Cyrus Poonawalla is also known for his philanthropic work. He has donated large sums of money to various causes, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. In 2016, he pledged $5 million to the University of Massachusetts Medical School to establish a center for vaccine research.
Cyrus has also been recognized for his contributions to society. In 2012, he was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his work in the field of medicine. He has also been awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Business Standard CEO of the Year award.
Personal Life
Cyrus Poonawalla is married to Villoo Poonawalla, and the couple has two children, Adar and Natasha. Adar is now the CEO of Serum Institute of India and is widely regarded as one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in India. Natasha is also involved in the family business and manages the company's equestrian division.
Cyrus is also an avid horse breeder and has won several awards for his horses. He owns one of the largest stud farms in India and is known for his love of horses and racing.
Conclusion
Cyrus Poonawalla is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who has dedicated his life to improving public health. Through his leadership of the Serum Institute of India, he has played a critical role in the fight against diseases such as polio and measles. His dedication and hard work have earned him numerous accolades and awards
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