Mr. Pankaj R. Patel, Chairman of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. The Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, recognizes his remarkable contributions to the Indian lifesciences industry.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Patel said, “I would like to thank the Government of India for this great honor and humbly accept this recognition. It’s a journey that started over seven decades ago when my father began contributing to nation-building by making India self-reliant in lifesciences. This commitment to science, health, and innovation has always inspired me. I am fortunate to have 27,000 people at Zydus as part of this journey, working to put India at the forefront of innovation with pathbreaking discoveries that address unmet healthcare needs.”
He added, “I consider myself extremely honored to be a part of these transformative years for the Indian lifesciences industry. With the convergence of health, digital advancements, and technology, innovation from India will provide critical access to affordable healthcare, empowering people to lead healthier and more fulfilled lives.”
A Visionary in Lifesciences
Mr. Patel leads Zydus Lifesciences, a global, discovery-driven company operating in over 80 countries. The group focuses on unlocking new possibilities in healthcare by discovering, developing, and marketing a broad range of therapies. With a workforce of over 27,000 people worldwide, the company aims to transform lives through innovative healthcare solutions.
Holding a Master’s in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology from L.M. College of Pharmacy and as an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Mr. Patel’s career exemplifies his dual passion for research and entrepreneurship. He has published over 100 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and is a co-inventor on more than 64 patents.
Contributions to Society
Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Patel serves on the boards of several institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India. He is the Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Udaipur and the Chairman of Invest India. Additionally, he leads philanthropic initiatives as the Executive Chairman of the Gujarat Cancer Society and the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, one of India’s largest cancer centers.
Mr. Patel has also spearheaded Zydus Foundation’s initiatives, including the establishment of Zydus Hospital and Medical College in Dahod. He supports a range of CSR activities in education, pharmaceutical innovation, grassroots development, water conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and more.
The Padma Bhushan reflects Mr. Patel’s lifetime dedication to advancing science, healthcare, and societal welfare. This recognition marks a milestone not only for him but also for the Indian lifesciences industry.
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