Biocon Group Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been awarded the prestigious Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ). The accolade, conferred during the ISQ Annual Conference 2024 held in Bengaluru, recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to the biosciences sector and her role as a visionary leader in Indian entrepreneurship.
A visionary honored
Receiving the award from ISQ President Janak Kumar Mehta, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw expressed her gratitude, highlighting the significance of the recognition. “This award holds a very special meaning to me as it is named after one of India’s greatest visionaries – a man whose legacy of excellence, innovation, and nation-building continues to inspire us all. Jamsetji Tata’s commitment to quality and his belief in the transformative power of industry to serve society resonate deeply with my own journey,” she said.
The Jamsetji Tata Award, established in 2004, honors business leaders whose exceptional contributions drive societal progress. For Mazumdar-Shaw, this honor underscores her pivotal role in pioneering India’s biosciences movement, a journey she embarked on in 1978 as a first-generation entrepreneur.
Transforming India through biosciences
Mazumdar-Shaw’s efforts have propelled India into the global biosciences spotlight. Her venture, Biocon Limited, has been at the forefront of delivering affordable and innovative biopharmaceutical solutions. With a vision rooted in nation-building, she has significantly contributed to India’s healthcare sector, ensuring access to life-saving drugs and therapies across the globe.
“This Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for being a pioneer in the bioscience movement in India since 1978, a first-generation entrepreneur to establish Biocon Limited and associated companies to serve customers in India and across the world,” noted Janak Kumar Mehta during the ceremony.
A moment of national pride
The award ceremony was graced by notable figures, including B. Muthuraman, former Vice Chairman of Tata Steel, and K.N. Subramanya, Principal of R.V. College of Engineering and President of ISQ’s Bengaluru Chapter. Their presence added gravitas to the event, celebrating Mazumdar-Shaw’s accomplishments as a testament to India’s scientific and entrepreneurial growth.
This recognition not only celebrates her individual achievements but also underscores India’s emergence as a global biosciences hub. Mazumdar-Shaw’s leadership reflects the transformative potential of Indian enterprises in driving innovation and societal impact.
