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Swati Piramal
Transforming Lives through Healthcare and Philanthropy
Swati Ajay Piramal, a prominent Indian scientist and industrialist, has made significant contributions to the fields of healthcare, public health, and innovation.
She is the Vice Chairperson of the renowned Piramal Group, a conglomerate with diverse interests in pharmaceuticals, financial services, real estate, and glass packaging.
Her journey from early life in Mumbai to being honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, showcases her relentless dedication to improving lives and fostering innovation.
Born Swati Shah in Mumbai in 1956 to Arunika Shah and Niranjan Shah, Swati Piramal's early years foreshadowed her commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals grappling with chronic illnesses.
After completing her high school and college education, her passion for alleviating suffering led her to pursue a medical degree.
In a remarkable move, Swati embarked on a postgraduate course in public health at Harvard University, despite her marriage and motherhood, proving her unwavering determination to make a difference.
During the mid-1970s, Swati Piramal encountered a young girl afflicted with polio, which catalysed her commitment to public health. She, along with her medical school friends, established a polio centre.
Their tireless efforts bore fruit as they treated 25,000 children within the first year. To persuade local residents to immunise their children, Swati and her team performed street plays to educate people on polio prevention.
Their door-to-door campaigns ensured that all families in the area received the necessary vaccinations or treatment. Ten years later, the centre had accomplished its mission and was closed, leaving behind a legacy of compassion.
Swati Piramal is married to Ajay Piramal, the Chairman of the Piramal Group. The couple has a son, Anand Piramal, who is married to Isha Ambani, the only daughter of business magnate Mukesh Ambani and Nita Dalal Ambani.
The Piramals also have a daughter, Nandini Piramal D'Young, who is married to an American citizen, Peter D'Young. Swati and Ajay Piramal reside in Gulita, a splendid home that was a wedding gift to Isha Piramal.
Swati Piramal's contributions to healthcare extend far and wide. She is the founder of the Gopikrishna Piramal Hospital in Mumbai and has led public health campaigns targeting chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, malaria, tuberculosis, epilepsy, and polio.
In her role as the Director of the Piramal Foundation, Swati Piramal actively promotes health in rural India. She introduced HMRI, a mobile health service, and initiated women's empowerment projects, creating young community leaders. Her contributions also extend to clean water initiatives through her role as a director of the Sarvajal Foundation.
Swati Piramal has been nominated as one of the "25 Most Powerful Women" a remarkable eight times. Her induction into the Hall of Fame of Most Powerful Women underscores her enduring impact.
She has served on the Scientific Advisory Council of the Prime Minister for a decade (2006-2014) and on the Council of Trade of the Prime Minister.
Swati Piramal currently holds positions on the Dean's Advisory Board of both the Harvard School of Public Health and the Harvard Business School. Additionally, she serves on the boards of various Indian and international academic institutions, such as IIT Bombay and Harvard University.
Swati Piramal has played critical roles in a variety of prestigious organisations:
Vice-Chairperson, Piramal Group
Director, Piramal Foundation
Member of the Dean's Advisory Board of both the Harvard School of Public Health and the Harvard Business School
Non-Executive Director, Nestlé India Limited
First woman President of India's Apex Chamber of Commerce, ASSOCHAM, in 90 years
Swati Piramal's remarkable journey has earned her numerous awards and honours, including the BMA Management Woman Achiever of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005.
She was named President of ASSOCHAM in 2010 and 2011. One of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri, was bestowed upon her in 2012.
She also received the Alumni Merit Award from Harvard and the Lotus Award in New York, recognising her leadership and philanthropic efforts. In 2022, she was honoured with the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, the Knight of the Legion of Honour.
Swati Piramal's life and career exemplify the transformative power of dedication and compassion in improving healthcare and fostering innovation. Her legacy continues to inspire and uplift communities in India and around the world.
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