In this success post, we are going to share the story of Cyrus Poonawalla, an Indian businessman who is the chairman of the Poonawalla Group. The conglomerate includes the Serum Institute of India, an Indian biotech company that is known for making pediatric vaccines.
It is considered to be one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers by the number of doses produced and sold across the globe.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, Indian Fourth highest civilian honor, by the Government of India in 2005 for his contribution to the field of medicine.
Cyrus Poonawalla Family & Personal Life
Poonawalla was born in Pune, India, in 1941. He went to the Bishop School and later graduated from the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, University of Pune, in 1966.
He was once married to Villoo Poonawalla; his wife is no more. He has a son, Adar, who is the CEO of the Poonawalla Group.
Cyrus Poonawalla Career
Cyrus Poonawalla was born in a family that had old ties to India racing circuit, through the family Poonawalla Stud Farms. At a young age, Poonawalla realized that since the horse racing had no future in a socialist nation like India, he needed to explore other venues.
He started experimenting with cars along with a friend. He initially built a $120 prototype sports car, which was modeled on the D-type Jaguar.
Moreover, he eventually abandoned the idea of marketing the car when he realized it. That creating a product for the masses than for the elite would be a smarter move.
The Serum Institute of India was founded by the Poonawalla in 1966. And they launched their first therapeutic tetanus serum within two years and started producing the anti-tetanus vaccines soon after.
By 1974, they also revealed the DTP vaccine, which is known for protecting children from diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. In 1981, they created an anti-snake venom serum, which is meant for the snakebites.
Some other vaccines, Poonawalla, also has a strong tie to the horseracing and breeding industry. He was once elected vice chairman of the Asian Racing Federation. And has also held various prestigious posts in the horseracing field.
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