PDA Letter Article

Sartorius and PDA India Chapter Honors Late Amit Sharma with Inaugural Scholarship Program

by Vishal Sharma, Vienni Training and Consulting LLP

In collaboration with Sartorius, the PDA India Chapter has agreed to constitute an annual scholarship instituted in memory of the Late Amit Sharma.

Commencing in 2025, the Amit Sharma Memorial Scholarship will be awarded on need-cum merit basis to two students and one young professional contributing to the Indian pharmaceutical industry as Volunteer of the Year during the PDA India Chapter Annual meeting.

Amit Sharma was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for education and innovation within the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry. With his strong leadership, Amit made significant contributions to Asia's business and organizational development during his 25 years with Sartorius. As a founding member of the PDA India Chapter in 2013, he was also a strong advocate for collaboration between academia, regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry. His untimely passing left a void in the Sartorius family and the Indian pharmaceutical industry, but his spirit of mentorship and dedication to scientific advancement continues to inspire.

Rustom Mody (left), President PDA India Chapter, giving volunteer appreciation award to Amit Sharma (right)

The establishment of the Amit Sharma Memorial Scholarship, which is €10,000 per year, is part of Sartorius and the PDA India Chapter’s broader commitment to education and innovation in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry. Sartorius aims to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to tackle future challenges by investing in the education of promising students and young professionals in their early careers. The scholarship also serves as a testament to the company's values of excellence, collaboration and social responsibility. Through this initiative, Sartorius and the PDA India Chapter not only honor the memory of a beloved colleague but also contribute to the advancement of the biotech sector as a whole.

As the Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve and consolidate, the need for educated and innovative thinkers becomes ever more critical. The Amit Sharma Memorial Scholarship is a step towards meeting this need, providing opportunities for students who may otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams in biotechnology.

The PDA India Chapter and Sartorius invite the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical community to join in celebrating the launch of this annual scholarship and spread the word to potential applicants. With the first scholarships to be awarded in 2025, the future looks bright for the next generation of biotech pioneers, and the legacy of Amit Sharma will live on in their achievements.

Lastly, the Amit Sharma Memorial Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for students and young professionals in India. The PDA India Chapter and Sartorius' initiative ensures that Amit Sharma's commitment to talent development and his belief in the power of education will continue to influence the industry for years.