Pune: Dr. Cyrus Poonawala Should Be Given Bharat Ratna – Sharad Pawar

Pune, 14th February 2024: Today, three out of five people globally receive a vaccine developed by Cyrus Poonawala’s Serum Institute. Poonawala’s pivotal role in aiding India during the COVID-19 crisis has led former Union Minister Sharad Pawar to strongly advocate for him to be honored with the Bharat Ratna award by the central government. Pawar contends that such recognition would be more fitting than confining him to the Padma Bhushan award.

Recognizing Dr. Cyrus Poonawala’s significant contributions in the medical and social spheres, Sharad Pawar presented him with the ‘Late Dr. Mohan Dharia Nation Building Award.’ The ceremony was attended by former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, MP Srinivas Patil, President of Vanarai Ravindra Dharia, President of Vanarai Foundation Dr. Girish Gandhi, Chancellor of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Ved Prakash Mishra, Vanrai Trustee Ganpatrao Patil, Nilesh Khandekar, Trustee Rohidas More, Secretary Amit Wadekar, among others. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari conveyed his wishes to Cyrus Poonawala through video conferencing.

Sharad Pawar highlighted that Dr. Mohan Dharia’s ideology was centered around placing the nation first, and Serum Institute, guided by its independent thinking, produces vaccines not only for India but for the entire world. Pawar emphasized that three out of five people globally receiving the Serum Institute-developed vaccine underscored its global contribution. Therefore, in addition to the Padma Bhushan, Sharad Pawar believes Cyrus Poonawala deserves the country’s highest honor, the Bharat Ratna Award.

Expressing his gratitude, Cyrus Poonawala acknowledged Dr. Mohan Dharia’s significant contributions to the Serum Institute during his tenure as the vice-chairman of the country’s planning commission. Poonawala’s dream was not merely for Serum Institute to become the largest vaccine producer globally but to save millions of children’s lives through their vaccines.

Prithviraj Chavan likened Cyrus Poonawala’s contributions to those of Dr. Mohan Dharia, noting that the award named after Dharia added prestige to the recognition. Dr. Mohan Dharia’s impact on Indian politics finds a parallel in Cyrus Poonawala’s work, saving not only India but the world from a major crisis through medical contributions.

Nitin Gadkari commended Cyrus Poonawala’s visionary leadership in science, technology, and medicine, highlighting Poonawala’s goal to free the youth from cancer. Drawing parallels between the constructive political approach of Mohan Dharia and the formative research and medical contributions of Cyrus Poonawala, Gadkari credited both for their substantial contributions to Maharashtra and the nation.

Dr. Ved Prakash Mishra emphasized Serum Institute, under Cyrus Poonawala’s leadership, as a significant hub for science and research in modern India. He lauded the Institute for saving citizens’ lives and producing a substantial portion of the country’s lassi.

Dr. Girish Gandhi drew parallels between Mohan Dharia’s commitment to social goals and Cyrus Poonawala’s ongoing efforts. He stressed that both personalities deserved recognition for their impactful contributions.

Ravindra Dharia recounted the inauguration of the first Vanrai village development by Sharad Pawar in 1984. He highlighted the shared commitment of Mohan Dharia and Cyrus Poonawala towards environmental conservation and local economic development.

Dr. Satish Desai presided over the occasion, with Ravindra Dharia leading the program, and Rohidas More proposing a vote of thanks.