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IIMB Management Review

Document Type

Interview

Abstract

Varaprasad Reddy Koduru is Founder-Chairman of Shantha Biotechnics, a company set up with the primary aim of making life-saving drugs available to the public at an affordable cost. Earlier, he worked in the Defence Electronics Research Lab as a scientist, and in the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation. In 1985, he became an entrepreneur, promoting Sabnife Power Systems before setting up Shantha Biotechnics in I992. Among the many awards he has won for his innovative methods and service to the public, the most recent are the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award from the Institute of Public Enterprise ( I998 ), the first National Technology Award instituted by the Technology Board, Government of India (1999), the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Award ( I999) and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2000). In a refreshingly frank interview, Varaprasad Reddy talked to Srinivas Prakhya about his unusual approaches to new product development, pricing, hiring, compensation packages, and people management, and his conviction that more than good management practices, it is good intentions, the ability to think independently and laterally, hard work and team spirit that make the difference. He also shares his strong faith and his burning desire to serve India and its people by bringing in state-of-the-arthealthcare that is affordable and accessible to the public.

Publication Date

3-1-2001

First Page

29

Last Page

36

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