Indian billionaire Cyrus S. Poonawalla has made headlines after purchasing Yashoda and Krishna by Raja Ravi Varma for a record ₹167.2 crore at the Saffronart spring auction. The sale marks the highest price ever paid for an Indian artwork, surpassing the previous record by a significant margin.
Building the World’s Largest Vaccine Maker
Cyrus Poonawalla is the founder of Serum Institute of India, which he established in 1966. Over the decades, he transformed the Pune-based company into the world’s largest vaccine producer by volume, supplying affordable vaccines globally.
The institute gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for manufacturing Covishield, developed in collaboration with University of Oxford and AstraZeneca.
Among India’s Wealthiest Individuals
Poonawalla consistently ranks among the richest individuals in India and globally. According to recent rankings, his family is among the top wealthiest in the country, with a multi-billion-dollar net worth.
He has been honoured with prestigious civilian awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2022 and the Padma Shri in 2005, for his contributions to healthcare and medicine.
Family and Business Legacy
His son, Adar Poonawalla, serves as the CEO of the Serum Institute of India and has played a key role in expanding the company’s global footprint.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Art
The painting Yashoda and Krishna, created in the 1890s, is one of the most celebrated works of Raja Ravi Varma. Its record-breaking sale highlights the growing global demand and appreciation for Indian art.
Poonawalla described the artwork as a “national treasure” and expressed his intention to preserve it while making it accessible to the public in the future.