Sharad Pawar Advocates Bharat Ratna for SII Founder Cyrus Poonawalla

In a stirring call to recognize excellence and innovation in vaccine production, veteran leader Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party, has made a compelling case for Cyrus Poonawalla, the visionary founder of the Serum Institute of India (SII), to be bestowed with the prestigious ‘Bharat Ratna’. Pawar’s impassioned plea comes in acknowledgement of Poonawalla’s monumental contributions to the field of vaccine manufacturing, particularly amidst the global COVID-19 crisis.

Addressing an esteemed audience at an award function in Pune, Maharashtra, Pawar lauded Cyrus Poonawalla’s unparalleled dedication and pioneering efforts in revolutionizing vaccine production in India. Poonawalla’s presence at the event underscored the significance of his contributions, as Pawar emphasized the critical role played by SII’s vaccines in safeguarding public health, both within the nation and beyond its borders.

Pawar articulated, “Whenever five children are born in the world, three of them are given vaccine serum. During the Corona crisis, SII provided vaccines to the whole world, especially in African countries where there was great need for the vaccine. The vaccine was delivered on a large scale, and for this, Cyrus Poonawalla and his team took on the responsibility of serving the people.”

Asserting the urgency and merit of Poonawalla’s recognition, Pawar underscored the necessity for the government to bestow upon him the highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. He lamented the past oversight in conferring Poonawalla with the Padma Shri, recognizing the subsequent awarding of the Padma Bhushan as a belated acknowledgement of his monumental contributions to humanity.

Pawar’s impassioned appeal resonates with millions who recognize Cyrus Poonawalla’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to public health. As the founder of the world’s largest vaccine producer by volume, Poonawalla’s legacy is synonymous with compassion, innovation, and service to humanity.

Cyrus Poonawalla’s journey in the pharmaceutical sector has been remarkable. His visionary leadership at SII has transformed the landscape of vaccine production and served as a beacon of hope for nations grappling with public health challenges. Poonawalla’s pivotal role in providing high-quality vaccines at affordable prices, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores his unwavering dedication to the greater good.

Sharad Pawar’s impassioned plea serves as a rallying cry for recognition of Poonawalla’s invaluable contributions to humanity, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps and champion the cause of public health with unwavering dedication and compassion.