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, he had set out to prove that an indigenous company could provide innovative, research-based quality medicines.

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

In 1952, Mr. Ramanbhai Patel 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. Zydus Cadila today enjoys the coveted distinction of being one of the leading pharma groups in the country and a global healthcare provider.

Mr. Ramanbhai Patel had published several outstanding research papers and had taken a keen interest in research activities of the group. Today, Zydus Cadila is  amongst the top investors in research. Mr. Ramanbhai Patel's contributions in the field of pharmaceutical education were equally noteworthy. Gujarat which earlier had only one pharmacy college now has several 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.

In recognition of his services, Mr. Ramanbhai Patel had been bestowed with several prestigious awards: President of India's Import Substitution Award in 1973. 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. 

On the occasion of Gujarat’s Pharma Centenary Celebrations in January 2008, Mr. Ramanbhai B. Patel was posthumously awarded a special plaque in recognition for his efforts in laying a firm foundation for Gujarat’s pharmaceutical industry in the Post Independence era.

With a firm belief that new avenues would surely emerge, if one has the will to discover it, he dedicated his life to the quest for knowledge, as an academician, entrepreneur and a researcher.

The Zydus Research Centre, a state-of-the-art facility which was set up during his lifetime, spearheads the research initiatives of the Zydus group and supports the quest for innovations and excellence in the field of research.

The Ramanbhai Foundation today continues to spearhead programmes in the field of pharmaceutical research, education and healthcare – areas close to the Late Founder Chairman’s heart.

The Ramanbhai Foundation is committed to a number of special initiatives in the field of education.  The Zydus School for Excellence which was a dream nurtured by Mr. Ramanbhai B. Patel has been set up to provide a rich academic environment where children can seek creative expressions for their endeavours.

The Ramanbhai Patel - AMA Centre for Excellence in Education has also been set up to raise the bars of excellence in the field of education through progressive learning programmes for academicians, knowledge sharing forums and by studying successful models of education and creating a platform for sharing these experiences.

The Ramanbhai Foundation alongwith the Indian Pharmaceutical Association has set up the IPA-Shri Ramanbhai B. Patel Foundation (IRF) to recognise and honour lifetime achievements of senior pharmacists who have contributed to the growth of the profession of pharmacy in India. The IRF also awards merit scholarships to deserving students in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The Ramanbhai Patel International Symposium held every two years is devoted to the discussion on the current trends and developments in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Through the symposia, the Foundation aims to bridge the research endeavours taking place across the world and create a platform for knowledge sharing, tracing the development of new molecules from the laboratory to the market.