In the service of mankind

R C Juneja, the Managing Director of Mankind Pharma reveals to Sapna Dogra the inspiring influences that have guided him to serve people by manufacturing cheaper medicines.

Mankind Pharma is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in the country. The man behind this success story is R C Juneja, whose life is an inspiration to many. Born in Meerut in 1955, Juneja spent his childhood in this town in Uttar Pradesh, and completed his school and college education there.

Juneja attributes his success to his middle-class upbringing and parents' influence. "Both my parents have shaped my career. My father was a very simple and down to earth person and I have learned from him that hard work is the only sure shot way to get the desired results and taste the fruit of success," he says. Juneja's mother was like a friend who motivated and inspired him to serve people. Gushes Juneja, "For me she is a goddess who has inculcated ethical values in me."

Today, Mankind has a countrywide presence and expects to achieve sales of Rs 350 crore and Rs 25 crore in profit for 2006. With a 42.4 percent increase in domestic sales for the year ended November 2005, Mankind is the fastest-growing company in the sector as per ORG-IMS estimates.

Notable milestones

After completing his BSc, Juneja started his career as a medical representative in 1975, in Meerut. He was always fascinated by the pharma industry and had an aptitude for this profession. While working with Lupin as a manager he thought of starting his own business. In 1994, Juneja left Lupin after two decades in sales and marketing, to set up his own pharma company. Mankind Pharma was started with Rs 50 lakh and 25 medical representatives in Meerut.

Reminiscing, Juneja says, "Mankind was launched as a very small entity in Meerut with about 20 products, which mainly included vitamins, painkillers and antibiotics. Even the name 'Mankind' was chosen deliberately because we wanted to serve suffering people. Our aim is to reach out even to those corners of the country where nobody had ventured before." Remarkably, the company was able to achieve a turnover of Rs 3.8 crore in the first year itself. "Our efforts and hard work made us accomplish our target year after year," he claims proudly.

Mankind has made its presence in antibiotics, antifunguls, nutritionals, gastrointestinals, NSAIDs, anthelmintics, cardiovascular, dermatology and ED categories with many brands such as Zenflox, Nuforce, Nurokind, Zenflox-OZ, Nobel-MR and Gatikind.

People’s person

On being asked what he likes the most about his job? Juneja replies, "Sharing my fortune with our people." His greatest achievement, he believes, is setting the trend of pocket-friendly medicine prices for the poor. Juneja is also involved in social projects with Helpage India and Nanhi Kali. Nanhi Kali is a project jointly managed by the KC Mahindra Education Trust and the Naandi Foundation. It is providing opportunities of education to those disadvantaged girl children in the country who do not have access to any schooling.

"Dedication, determination and strong market knowledge, along with a good team are the most important factors behind the success of the company. The confidence to make people believe in the future vision and creating a family environment in the company are also very important," states Juneja.

Role model

A source of inspiration to many, he personally considers D B Gupta, Managing Director of Lupin as his role model. "He has always been like a big brother to me; his foresight and strategic planning style truly motivates me," reveals Juneja. A staunch believer in the theory of karma, Juneja says, "Fate will only help you when you help yourself. These are two sides of the same coin and play a major role in the life of a human being."

Future aspirations

Juneja wants to take Mankind to new heights and place it amongst the top 50 pharma companies in the country. Under his leadership, plans are afoot to launch an OTC division and make strong presence in lifestyle medicines (chronic segment). "We are tapping every segment in the pharma sector as per our plans. We are entering into the R&D segment by 2007, which will strengthen our capabilities to make our presence strong in international markets."

Juneja likes to read business newspapers and journals. "Switzerland is my favourite vacation spot where I go regularly with my wife Poonam, daughter and son. After coming back from that country, I feel refreshed and the place provides an inner peace," says he. Despite his hectic schedule, Juneja enjoys listening to music and watching sports events on the television.

A contented man, he is happy with the way his life has progressed. Thanking God for all the gifts in life, Juneja says with humility, "I have achieved my dreams."