**Who has been selected for the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award for 2021?**
VerifiedAnswer: Cyrus Poonawalla
Explanation:
Cyrus Poonawalla, the Chairman and Managing Director of Serum Institute of India, was honored with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award for 2021. This recognition came as a tribute to his exceptional contributions to healthcare and vaccine manufacturing, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when his company played a crucial role in global vaccine distribution.
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is one of India's most respected honors, established to commemorate the legacy of freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, nation-building, and public welfare. Cyrus Poonawalla's selection reflects his significant impact on global health through affordable vaccine production and distribution.
Under Poonawalla's leadership, the Serum Institute of India became the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. The company produces over 1.5 billion doses annually and supplies vaccines to more than 170 countries worldwide. During the pandemic, SII manufactured Covishield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, making it accessible to millions of people globally at affordable prices.
Cyrus Poonawalla's journey began when he took over his father's horse breeding business and transformed it into a pharmaceutical empire. His vision of making life-saving vaccines affordable for developing nations has saved countless lives worldwide. The company's commitment to producing high-quality vaccines at low costs has made immunization accessible to children and adults in economically disadvantaged regions.
Beyond vaccine manufacturing, Poonawalla has been actively involved in philanthropic activities through the Cyrus Poonawalla Foundation. The foundation focuses on healthcare, education, and rural development initiatives. His contributions extend to supporting medical research, healthcare infrastructure development, and educational institutions across India.
The timing of this award was particularly significant as it recognized Poonawalla's extraordinary efforts during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. His company's rapid response to the pandemic, scaling up production capacity, and ensuring global vaccine supply demonstrated exceptional leadership and social responsibility. This recognition highlights how private sector initiatives can contribute significantly to public health and national development.
