Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Conferred With Australia's Highest Civilian Honour

Biocon founder Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was bestowed with Australia's highest civilian honour, the Order of Australia, at a commemoration in Bengaluru on Friday. A statement from the Governor General's office stated the honour was for “important service to improving Australia's bilateral relationship with India especially in promoting economic and educative links.”

At a ceremony, which took place at the Leela Palace in Bengaluru on Friday, Shaw was honoured in the presence of a small group of people. Respectable guests like Nandan Nilekani, Congressman RV Deshpande and Dr Devi Shetty were present. Harinder Sidhu, the Australian High Commissioner to India, proposed a toast to Shaw and announced that it was terrific to acknowledge individuals who made an exceptional difference to the world. “We all know Kiran's dedication to cancer research, women's concerns and also to guarantee that Bengaluru is a liveable city.” she said.

Honorary appointments in the Order of Australia are given to foreign citizens who have made a notable contribution to Australia or humanity.

Also Read: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Inducted Into National Academy Of Engineering US

Fourth Indian citizen to receive the honour

She has studied in Australia and is the fourth Indian national to be given this award. This after Mother Teresa, Ex-Attorney General Soli Sorabjee and cricket star Sachin Tendulkar.

Her Excellency Ms Harinder Sidhu, advanced Shaw as an Honorary Member within the Order of Australia in the General Division.

Ms Sidhu stated that the Australian Government has chosen to bestow this honouron Shaw for her vital contribution in advancing Australia's bilateral relationship with India. The award has been given for “significant service to advancing Australia's bilateral relationship with India particularly in promoting commercial and educational links,” said a release from the Governor General's office.

Order of Australia

Honorary appointments in the Order of Australia are given to foreign citizens who have made a notable contribution to Australia or humanity.

The Queen initiated the Order of Australia on February 14, 1975. It was found as “an Australian society of honour to accord recognition to Australian citizens. And other persons for success or meritorious service.”

“We all know Kiran's dedication to cancer research, women's concerns and also to guarantee that Bengaluru is a liveable city.” Harinder Sidhu, the Australian High Commissioner to India said.

Self-made billionaire

Mazumdar-Shaw, India's richest self-made woman, established India's largest biopharmaceutical firm in 1978. The firm has triumphantly forayed into the lucrative US biosimilars business, catching the attention of investors. Biocon became the first organisation to gain permission from the USFDA for two different biosimilars of drugs. Particular cancer treatments use these. She's invested in research foundation and scientific expertise to create a sincere R&D-based biotech firm, not a copycat generics maker. Her philanthropic initiative, The Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, strives to build a sustainable, affordable cancer care model.

Also Read: Entrepreneurship Lessons From Kiran Mazumdar Shaw

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV