Is it the beginning of the end? Or a new beginning? The debate between the naysayers and the optimists continues. But one thing is for sure: Mahatma Gandhi’s quote of being the change you want to see, endures even today. For the last issue of 2013, Express Pharma spotlights corporate groups in the lifesciences sector as well as individuals who have tried to be the change themselves.
Our Management section cover story analyses how corporates like Jubilant Life Sciences, Novartis India and Sanofi India have made corporate social responsibility a part of their strategy; indeed part of their corporate DNA. Many of these did not need the amendment in the Companies Bill 2012 mandating a spend of two per cent of their net profit on social causes to invest in such causes. For the companies, the challenge going forward will be to sustain the efforts. An equal effort will have to be made on the government’s part to monitor that the money is well spent and does not remain merely a reporting necessity.
Individuals too are stepping up to the challenge of bringing about change. Our Pharma Life cover story profiles some high powered celebrities who have associated themselves with pharma companies and health-related causes, in order to promote awareness. It’s easy to change minds, but changing mindsets is much more difficult. Kudos to icons like ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh, Bollywood supermom Aishwarya Rai Bachhan, Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham, renowned ex-cricketer Rahul Dravid and others who are using their celeb status for these causes.
With that, we close this year and look forward to greeting you in 2014 … with a 2014 forecast from some of the top analysts in the industry.
Viveka Roychowdhury
Editor