KAMPALA – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has awarded Indian businessman and philanthropist Madhusudan Agrawal the country’s highest civilian honor, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, for his outstanding contributions to Uganda.
The honour was bestowed upon Mr. Agrawal, Honorary Consul of Uganda in Mumbai, during Uganda’s 62nd independence anniversary celebrations held in the eastern district of Busia near Kenya.
Mr. Agrawal, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Ajanta Pharma, has made significant investments in Uganda’s pharmaceutical sector. He also played a key role in launching the first direct Uganda Airlines flight between Mumbai and Uganda, which marks its first anniversary today.
As Honorary Consul to Uganda for eight years, Ugandan President praised him for fostering bilateral trade and relations between Uganda and India and demonstrating a strong commitment to service and diplomacy in critical areas including healthcare and humanitarian efforts.
He has organised life-saving surgeries for cataract and cancer patients and supported critical initiatives for underprivileged Ugandans.
“Diplomacy is not just about formal engagements,” Mr Agrawal said. “It’s about finding real ways to make a difference in people’s lives, especially when they are most vulnerable.”
Mr. Agrawal co-founded Ajanta Pharma Limited and expanded its exports to over 30 countries. His vision focuses on “Serving Global Healthcare needs through Empathy, Innovation, and Technology.” Ajanta Pharma employs over 7,500 people from 30 nationalities, providing innovative healthcare solutions.
As Founder and Trustee of Mamta & Madhusudan Agrawal Foundation, Mr. Agrawal supports healthcare, education, prison welfare, and community development initiatives. In Uganda, his foundation has donated the Hope Express, a mobile mammography van to Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), benefiting over 297,000 women, and conducted free cataract eye surgeries.
Additionally, Mr. Agrawal sponsored 100 paediatric heart surgeries for underprivileged Ugandan children in India and initiated an artificial limb distribution program, aiming to benefit 1,000 needy Ugandans.
In India, his foundation runs a cancer awareness program, “Mai hoon na!!”, supports nutritional food programs for cancer children at TATA Memorial, and constructed Maharaja Agrasen Palace, a social welfare centre in Lonavala.
Mr. Agrawal has received numerous national and international awards, including the ICONS AURANGABAD Award, presented by Ratan Tata, the 2019 ABLF Business Innovator Award, Lions Lifetime Achievement Award, Seva Bhushan Samman 2022 for social work, and Medal of Honour for consular activities (2022).
Mr. Agrawal emphasizes leadership tolerance for sustainable progress and prosperity. His commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy has made a significant impact in Uganda and India.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajanta Pharma and Mr. Agrawal’s foundation extended support to the Indian government’s efforts, contributing to the Prime Minister’s CARES fund and donating medical equipment to various hospitals. Mr. Agrawal also facilitated repatriation flights for approximately 600 Ugandans, providing food packets for their safe passage.
“Every effort, no matter how small, should contribute to the bigger goal of improving lives,” said Mr Agrawal also the Secretary General of HCCD Mumbai, enhancing business and cultural ties. “Providing healthcare, education, or even a means of transport during a crisis – this is the duty of those of us who are in a position to contribute.”
This recognition adds to Mr. Agrawal’s impressive list of national and international awards for his business acumen and social service.
Vishal Saria, Vice Consul of Uganda in Mumbai, India, has hailed the strengthening ties between Uganda and India, citing President Museveni’s pivotal role in fostering a conducive business environment for the Indian community.
Mr. Saria praised President Museveni’s efforts in creating an enabling environment, which has significantly contributed to the flourishing bilateral relations, particularly in trade.
Uganda and India have enjoyed cordial relations since India established its diplomatic presence in Uganda in 1965. The relationship between the two countries is built on historical cultural linkages, extensive economic and trade interests, and a shared commitment to democracy and peace.
India remains one of Uganda’s top investors, with investments totaling USD 500 million in 2019. Bilateral trade stood at US$ 1.3 billion, with India exporting pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles, while importing tea, wood, and wood products from Uganda.
India also offers scholarships and training programs for Ugandans, with over 500 students benefiting from these initiatives in 2019-2020.
Additionally, India cooperates with Uganda in security and defence, training Ugandan defence officers in Indian facilities.
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