#India #Mumbai #Lupin #Desh Bandhu Gupta #India Pharma

An Insight into "Made in India"

The book "Made in India," penned by Sundeep Khanna and Manish Sabharwal, delves deeply into three significant milestones that highlight the ascent of India's pharmaceutical industry. It emphasizes the formation and extraordinary growth of Lupin Limited, alongside a riveting account of its founder, Desh Bandhu Gupta. This remarkable narrative focuses on how a nation that was once entirely dependent on imported medications has now emerged as the 'pharmacy of the world'.

The Story Behind the Success

Desh Bandhu Gupta’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Born into a humble family in Rajasthan, he overcame numerous adversities on his way to becoming a visionary entrepreneur. His rise began as a teacher and transformed him into a professor and eventually a top-tier pharmaceutical executive. This extraordinary tale illustrates how Gupta's early life, marked by difficulties and lack of advantages, instilled within him a relentless appetite for success and a purpose-driven approach to business.

The book carefully tracks his career’s evolution, culminating in the establishment of a company valued at approximately $10 billion. Gupta's journey is not only a story of personal achievement but also reflects a larger narrative of creating a sustainable industry that addresses the health needs of millions.

A Realistic Portrait of Entrepreneurship

Co-authored by Manish Sabharwal, a co-founder of TeamLease Services, and journalist Sundeep Khanna, the book offers a candid depiction of entrepreneurship. It highlights the challenges, failures, financial crises, and the personal sacrifices that accompany leadership roles. In contrast to whimsical tales of sudden success, "Made in India" realistically portrays the rigorous process of establishing an enterprise, from incremental growth to overcoming doubts and challenges.

The narrative gives a vivid account of Desh Bandhu Gupta’s transformation from a modest professor to a titan of the pharmaceutical industry, revealing how he identified and pursued the unmet healthcare needs of people around him. His story serves as a powerful message to aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing how perseverance and strong belief can lead to significant achievements.

The Influence of Family and Community Initiatives

The book also sheds light on the critical role played by Gupta's wife, Manju Gupta, in the establishment and growth of Lupin. Besides their personal endeavors, the couple founded community services and programs aimed at supporting rural areas—demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility even as they built a global pharmaceutical powerhouse.

Today, India has earned itself a reputation as the 'pharmacy of the world'. According to reports, nearly half of the 400 billion pills consumed in the United States annually are produced in India, alongside 60% of the global vaccines. Among the FDA-approved facilities supplying medications to the U.S., one-third are based in India. The pioneers of this industry, including Dr. Yusuf Hamied (Cipla), Anji Reddy (Dr. Reddy's), and others, have played a crucial role in reshaping India’s standing in global pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Conclusion: A Call to Future Leaders

"Made in India" was brought to life during its launch event in Mumbai, where the authors discussed their journey, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring leaders from major pharmaceutical companies. They explored essential themes on leadership, nation-building, and the critical role of the Indian pharmaceutical sector in making healthcare affordable and accessible worldwide.

Praising the book, Dilip Shanghvi from Sun Pharma stated, "DBG was a visionary whose heart beat for India and its patients. His relentless pursuit of excellence shaped his character and inspired us all. He was one of the true architects of India’s journey to becoming the pharmacy of the world." Meanwhile, Yusuf Hamied noted, "DBG's rise from modest beginnings to healthcare industry leader reminds us how one person can make a difference in global healthcare accessibility."

"Made in India" is a must-read for anyone contemplating India’s place in the world, aspiring entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, or young individuals looking to ignite their ambition and determination. This compelling narrative not only illustrates the accomplishments of Lupin and its founder but also encourages future generations to follow in the footsteps of innovators like Desh Bandhu Gupta.