Adar Poonawalla awarded as the Hurun National Icon of Philanthropy for 2019
The Hurun Research Institute celebrated the annual Hurun Indian Philanthropy Summit 2019 last night at St. Regis Hotel, Mumbai, consecrating the prominent philanthropists of the country. Recognizing the prominent philanthropists and CSR implementers of the country; the summit hosted a panel discussion on the ‘Role of Philanthropy in Nation Building’ followed by an award ceremony. The summit emphasised on the importance of philanthropy as a gateway to shaping a growth-oriented, progressive country. It delved on the catalytic role that philanthropy plays in ensuring actionable awareness and effective philanthropy.
On this occasion, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India was felicitated as the Hurun National Icon of Philanthropy for 2019; for having launched a city wide initiative where he committed & spent 20 million dollars to clean-up the city of Pune under his personal management & dedicated team. The event reaffirmed that to be an Icon, is about going beyond one’s comfort zone and inspiring others.
Mr. Adar Poonawalla, over the years has taken a path that is aspiring and different. By aiding in the growth of the flagship business along with increasing the philanthropic focus of the company; Adar’s story is beacon of inspiration to other entrepreneurs who believe in effective philanthropy, directly contributing towards nation building. He was earlier voted as one of the 50 most influential young Indians and also was awarded Philanthropist of the year 2016.
As the Hurun National Icon of Philanthropy for 2019, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, said, “I am deeply grateful and humbled to have received the generous award. This honor takes on a special distinction owing to the very high value that the award represents. Philanthropy is not just about the money but the willingness to drive change in addition to giving back to the society. It is an important key that plays a major role in collectively building a nation towards growth and progress.”
The summit saw the presence and support of the crème da le crème of the industry such as Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India), Ronnie Screwvala and Mrs. Zarina Screwvala (Swades Foundation), Anuradha Prasad (Dr Reddy’s), Rumana Hamied (Cipla Foundation), Mr. Niraj Bajaj (Bajaj Group), Adi Godrej (Godrej Foundation), Dr. Murali K Divi (Divis Laboratories), Ms. Rajvi Mariwala (Mariwala Health Initiative), and Ms. Mamta Saikia, (Bharti Foundation).
