PTI

Mumbai, Jul 24: Dr Swati Piramal is overwhelmed to have received French ward, ‘Knight of the Order of Merit’
 
“I was overwhelmed to receive the letter from French President, Mr Jacques Chirac,” says Dr Swati Piramal who was awarded the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre Nationale du Mérite’ (Knight of the Order of Merit), for her outstanding work in Medicine and Trade. “I researched about the award and found that it has a long and ancient symbolic history. Knowing that, I really feel proud to receive it,” said Dr. Piramal, who is the Director, Strategic Alliances and Communications, Nicholas Piramal India Ltd.

“The medical scene in France is just like in India, but they have the government paying medical pensions. France is also leading in the cosmetic and perfume industry. The country as a whole believes a lot in the power of natural products and homeopathy,” said Dr Piramal.
Showing the badge that she received recently from Ambassador of France Dominique Girad, Dr. Piramal said, “The badge has a symbol of Marianne, a national emblem of France. Marianne stands for justice and humanity. This award, I realised, is a huge responsibility, as it requires you to be gentle to work hard in your field,” said Dr. Piramal, who is no stranger to awards.

A Medical Doctor (MBBS) from the University of Bombay, Dr. Piramal graduated with a Masters Degree from Harvard School of Public Health, Boston USA, where she had the unique honour of being selected Commencement Speaker at the 1992 Graduation Ceremony.

Today, Nicholas Piramal has formed a strategic alliance with Pierre Fabre (France’s second largest pharmaceutical company). Nicholas Piramal manufactures, markets and distributes Pierre Fabre products in India. These products include those of dermatology and oncology. Nicholas also has partnerships along with a number of other French companies, - Sonafi – Aventis, Mundipharma and Ethypharm. Nicholas products are also being distributed to 500 French customers (hospitals, clinics, Pharmacies).

Dr. Piramal has been also been awarded the BMA Management Woman Achiever of the Year Award (2004-05). She has been nominated as one of the 25 most powerful women in India thrice in succession from 2002-2005. And that is not all. Dr. Piramal has co-authored books on health and nutrition, and also written music for the Science anthem.

This unassuming lady tells us that her secret of multi tasking is from forming a support system around herself. “Being close to the family is a very Indian initiative and one should realise that a family always lends a helping hand. Whatever one takes on, they should give it their best - that is another tip to successfully multitasking,” said Dr. Piramal.