Shri Pankaj R. Patel, Chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Trade and Industry. A stalwart of India’s pharmaceutical landscape, Patel is credited with transforming Zydus into one of the country’s most innovative and globally recognized pharmaceutical companies.
Under his visionary leadership, Zydus evolved from a modest family-run business into a multinational healthcare group, offering accessible, high-quality medicines across 80 countries. Patel has played a crucial role in positioning India as a global hub for affordable healthcare solutions, especially through breakthrough initiatives in vaccines, chronic disease treatments, and biosimilars.
Educated at L.M. College of Pharmacy and IIM Ahmedabad, Shri Pankaj Patel has authored numerous research papers and holds several patents. His emphasis on research-led innovation and ethical manufacturing practices has earned him widespread respect in both the scientific and industrial communities.
In addition to his contributions to the pharmaceutical sector, Patel is actively involved in academia, public policy, and philanthropy. He serves on the board of the Reserve Bank of India, is Chairman of IIM Ahmedabad and Invest India, and leads multiple community health and education initiatives through the Zydus Foundation.
Upon receiving the Padma Bhushan, Patel remarked:
“I am deeply honoured. This recognition is a tribute to our collective pursuit of innovation and the tireless efforts of my team at Zydus. It’s a responsibility to do even more for the health and well-being of our nation.”
Industry peers, educational institutions, and citizens alike have hailed the recognition as a well-deserved honour for a man whose work has impacted millions.
Shri Pankaj Patel’s Padma Bhushan not only celebrates a lifetime of business excellence but also stands as a symbol of India’s growing leadership in global healthcare innovation.
