A first-generation entrepreneur, Mr. Ramanbhai Patel was one of the stalwarts of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry. At a time when the newly independent nation was heavily dependent on imports of drugs and pharmaceuticals, a determined Ramanbhai had set out to prove that an indigenous company could provide innovative, research-based quality medicinals. His trailblazing efforts in research had ushered in several new, need-based therapies.

Born at Kathor in South Gujarat on the 19th of August 1925, he began his career as a lecturer at the L.M. College of Pharmacy, a premier institute in Ahmedabad. The short stint in academics and teaching formed a lasting imprint on his mind. The resolve to contribute to the cause of education and the need to nurture creativity in children grew stronger over the years.

In 1952 Ramanbhai turned a pharma entrepreneur. Armed with a sound business acumen, he laid a strong foundation for Cadila and contributed to the growth of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry.

The group today stands testimony to his visionary foresight in the field of healthcare. Zydus Cadila today enjoys the coveted distinction of being one of the largest pharma group in the country.

Mr. Ramanbhai Patel had published several outstanding research papers and took a keen interest in research and was actively involved in the research activities of the group. With a steadfast belief that research-based pharmaceutical industry would be the driving force behind innovations in modern healthcare, Ramanbhai had made research the fountainhead of his enterprise. Today, the group ranks amongst the top investors in research.

A pathfinder, Mr. Ramanbhai B. Patel had dedicated his life to the quest of knowledge, as an academician, entrepreneur and a research scientist. He believed that new paths were sure to open up if one had the creative will to discover it and with each path that opened up, the conviction that the knowledge seeking process must start early on in life grew stronger.

It was his dream to set up an educational institution where children can constantly seek creative expressions for their endeavours and that is how Zydus School for Excellence came into being. Moving beyond this, he felt that the standards of excellence in education could be raised only if everyone involved with it - the teachers, the school body, students and parents
were open to new ideas, methodologies and views. He was of the firm opinion that only if one constantly evolves could there be a progression and blossoming of new avenues. Children who are a part of such an invigorating environment, he felt, could make all the difference as the future citizens of the country.

Ramanbhai's contributions in the field of pharmaceutical education were equally noteworthy. Gujarat which earlier had only one pharmacy college now has ten reputed pharmacy colleges. More importantly, Ramanbhai was instrumental in taking pharmaceutical education to the rural heartland of Gujarat, making professional courses more accessible to students
in smaller townships.

His respect for human values endeared him to one and all. A well known philanthropist, Ramanbhai had been a Member of the Sankat Nivaran Society since 1973. He was also the Executive Committee Member of the All India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Foundation, Ramanbhai's vast experience and insight had often been tapped by Government and industry forums. He was the National President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association during 1988-90. He has also been associated with the Pharmacy Council of India since 1977 as Member of the Executive Committee. He was also the President of Gujarat State Pharmacy Council.

In recognition of his services, Mr. Ramanbhai Patel had been bestowed with several prestigious awards: President of India's Import Substitution Award in 1973 for inventing a new process technology for Glibenclamide. Prof. M.L. Shroff Memorial National Award in 1987, The Glory of India Award in 1991 at Washington, Grahak Suraksha Award in 1992, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Memorial Gold Medal in 1993 and the Eminent Pharmacist Award in 1994.

In a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions to the growth of the pharma industry in India, he was conferred the Gujarat Businessman of Year Award in the year 2000. He was also honoured by Express Pharma Pulse with the 'Lifetime Contribution Award' for his contributions to the Indian pharma industry.