Dr Yusuf Hamied, pharmaceutical chemist, philanthropist and benefactor of our Department and of the University, has received the 2014 Economic Times Lifetime Achievement award.
The award honours individuals who, through their outstanding corporate achievements, set an example for the current generation of leaders in India and worldwide. Yusuf Hamied completed the Cambridge Natural Sciences Tripos in 1957. In 1960, he received his PhD in organic chemistry for work carried out under the supervision of Lord Todd.
Dr Hamied is Chairman of CIPLA and was its managing director for over half a century. Earlier this year, he received an Honorary Degree form the University of Cambridge.
He is a member of the Cambridge Guild of Benefactors. Our Department has benefited immensely from his sustained support.
In his acceptance speech of the ET Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr Hamied emphasised the importance of discovering and producing affordable drugs to address the huge health issues that face the modern world.
If India today is regarded as the "pharmacy of the world" that provides high-quality affordable drugs, this is largely due to Dr Hamied's lifelong efforts.