Shraddha Chowdhury

HELLO!: Sir, your achievements surpass those that many can’t dream of in a lifetime. What would you advise today’s youth with big dreams?

Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla: “I’ve always focused my strategies on servicing the needs of the underprivileged and providing affordable healthcare and vaccines not only in India but in many other low- and middle-income countries. This has helped save the lives of millions of children over the past few decades. My advice to the youth would be that if you strive for excellence in whatever you do, success will follow and chase you. Maintain integrity and do something in whatever line of work you’re in, whether it’s providing a product or a service that benefits humanity in one way or the other.”

H!: Do you think the environment in India is more conducive to business today?

CP: “Yes, the environment in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is better in terms of development and ease of doing business, which has clearly resulted in India’s growth story today that’s recognised the world over.”

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H!: In your eyes, which business leaders or entrepreneurs in India do you think have tremendous potential?

CP: “I think there are many such leaders and entrepreneurs. It’d not be fair to take names, but I have observed the ambitions and success of so many entrepreneurs in the past 4-5 years that didn’t exist earlier. They use and enable new ideas and technologies that are available today to reach scale and provide excellent services and products that benefit our citizens.”

H!: How was your experience at the HELLO! Hall of Fame Awards?

CP: “My experience was quite enjoyable. I had a pleasant evening at the function. It was all very well organised, and I had the opportunity to listen to a number of interesting people who shared their experiences.”

H!: Could you tell us a project or any personal development you’re looking forward to this year?

CP: “There are many projects ongoing, but I’m personally looking forward to rolling out our new vaccines, including ones for HPV for cervical cancer and the malaria vaccine for Africa. We’re also working on other essential CSR projects under the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, for orphanages, clean drinking water, sanitation projects, etc, which I believe will do tremendous good for the underprivileged and the environmental conditions in India.”

This has been adapted for the web from a story originally published in the May-June 2023 issue of HELLO! India. Get our copy of the latest issue right here!