Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Chairman, Serum Institute of India (SII), part of Cyrus Poonawalla group and the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, today inaugurated the grand new building of Indian Red Cross Society’s Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla School for Hearing Impaired at a new premise at ‘Centenary Centre’, Lulla Nagar, Pune. The newly built school is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern amenities for the hearing-impaired children. The Villoo Poonawalla Foundation (VPF) has given all forms of support to the school since it was established and has helped the school to improve its facilities, resources, and programs, providing students with a better learning environment.
Spread across a wide area, the newly inaugurated school is equipped with high-end technologies and designed in a manner to meet the unique needs of children with hearing impairments, offering a wide array of enhanced services and specialised support. This expansion reflects the school’s ongoing commitment of empowering the hearing community through specialised education and improved accessibility tailored to their specific needs. Run by ‘The Indian Red Cross Society’, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla School for Hearing Impaired fosters a nurturing and encouraging environment to support inclusive and adaptive learning.
Expressing his delight at the inauguration of the newly built school, Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Chairman, Serum Institute of India said, “Providing better healthcare and support to children with special needs is a cause very close to my heart. Today, I feel deeply gratified to inaugurate this new school dedicated for the children with hearing-impairments. As an organization, our goal is to effectively utilize our resources to provide the best preventive solutions to the population, including children. This new building encompassing advanced infrastructure and modern facilities for the hearing-impaired children is a step towards the same direction.”
With Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla as the Chief Guest, the inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Vikram Phatak, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, Mr. Mabrin Nanavati, Vice Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, and Prof R.V. Kulkarni Hon. Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Pune, along with members of the SII leadership team and school community.
The School for the Hearing Impaired was established in 1976, with a vision of empowering children with hearing challenges. Over the decades, it has grown into a well-respected institution providing specialised education tailored to the needs of the hearing-impaired students. With a mission to empower the hearing community, the school continues to provide education in an accessible setting.
Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla School for Hearing Impaired (Indian Red Cross Society), Pune
Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla School for the Hearing Impaired is a school for children with hearing disabilities, run by the Indian Red Cross Society. The school provides education and support to children with hearing impairments, helping them to overcome their challenges and develop their skills and knowledge.
Founded in 1976, Indian Red Cross Society’s School for the Deaf, is a unique project of the Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society. The school is recognised as one of the top schools for the deaf in Pune. The school offers therapeutic intervention along with academic activities. The Villoo Poonawalla Foundation (VPF) has supported the Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla School for the Hearing Impaired through financial contributions and other forms of support. VPF’s contribution has helped the school to improve its facilities, resources, and programs, providing students with a better learning environment. Villoo Poonawalla Foundation is happy to be a part of this autonomous body that relies on donations given by members and patrons in Pune to help them build their infrastructure and set up facilities to serve these children well.
Cyrus Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building Construction also begins at “The University of Oxford”, UK
Located on the University’s Old Road Campus, the Cyrus Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building is a major new facility to host world-class vaccine and pandemic sciences research. Over 9,000m2 of high-quality lab and office space will support research focused on keeping the world safe from infectious disease threats.
The building will bring together over 400 research scientists including from the Jenner Institute, the Pandemic Sciences Institute, the Oxford Vaccine Group, the Department of Paediatrics and the Nuffield Department of Medicine. They will have access to state-of-the-art, highly secure laboratories that can handle a variety of new and emerging pathogens, enabling them to identify potential threats and develop vaccines and treatments to combat them. The building will also be a hub for clinical trials as well as research on epidemiology, surveillance, social and behavioural sciences, policy and ethics.
About Dr. Cyrus S Poonawalla: A Lifetime of Pioneering Affordable Vaccines for Global Health
A Visionary’s Journey
Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla transformed from horse breeder to global vaccine pioneer through innovation and commitment. Born into a family of stud farms and horse racing, a 1966 conversation with a veterinary doctor inspired him to use retired racehorses for immunobiological products. With $12,000, he founded Serum Institute of India (SII), now the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume. After graduating from Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in 1963, Poonawalla initially built a prototype sports car but shifted to creating products for the masses, impacting billions worldwide.
Revolutionizing Vaccine Manufacturing
Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla revolutionized vaccine production by focusing on high-volume, affordable vaccines, challenging costly imports. His vision made India self-sufficient and positioned Serum Institute of India (SII) as a key supplier to global health organizations. Milestones include the 1974 DTP vaccine launch, advancing India’s immunization self-sufficiency; the 1989 Measles vaccine introduction, elevating SII globally; and the 1994 WHO accreditation, enabling supplies to UN agencies. Poonawalla’s strategy of efficient processes and higher yields lowered costs, making vaccines accessible to underserved populations compared to multinational pharmaceutical companies.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond his business achievements, Dr. Poonawalla’s philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on society. The Cyrus Poonawalla Group has donated and driven actionable initiatives for public causes and underprivileged communities through charitable schools, hospitals, sanitation projects, and public parks.
Innovation and Global Impact
Under Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla, Serum Institute of India (SII) advanced vaccine technology with innovations like blood cell separator technology, improving horse health and doubling yields. SII developed a heat-stable rotavirus vaccine, eliminating cold storage needs, and an intranasal influenza vaccine for easier administration. In 2009, MenAfriVac, priced at 50 cents per dose, protected over 300 million in Sub-Saharan Africa from Meningitis A. Two-thirds of the world’s children receive SII vaccines. SII supported Polio eradication with oral vaccines during shortages and supplied measles vaccines to 52 African countries, aiding UN Millennium Development goals to reduce measles mortality.
A Unique Business Model
Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla’s business model at Serum Institute of India (SII) combines commercial success with social responsibility by minimizing marketing and reinvesting in affordable vaccine development, earning recognition from global health agencies for high-quality, low-cost vaccines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SII invested over $450 million and formed strategic partnerships to produce millions of Covishield vaccine doses, establishing India as a key player in global vaccine manufacturing.
Enduring Legacy
As Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla hands over leadership to his son Adar, Serum Institute of India (SII) upholds its philosophy of “No Compromise with Quality” and “Health for All.” From a small serum plant, SII has grown into a global health leader, serving 170+ countries and saving countless lives. Poonawalla’s legacy shows that a successful business can prioritize accessibility and affordability, ensuring quality, affordability, and profitability align for humanity’s greater good amid new health challenges.
