Dr Sankara Subramanian : Championing Sustainable Innovation In India's Pharmaceutical Sector
Dr Sankara Subramanian
Director
Beginning his journey in the industrial world as an organic chemist, Dr Subramanian initially worked in Bangalore Pharmaceuticals (later renamed Recon Pharma) before moving to Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Limited, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s success. At Shasun, Dr Subramanian's leadership led to the implementation of international Quality Assurance systems, ensuring compliance with evolving Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). His efforts helped Shasun gain recognition from global pharmaceutical giants like Glaxo, Eli Lilly, and Boots. Dr Subramanian was also instrumental in expanding Shasun's global presence, especially through collaborations in Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS).
In the mid-2000s, Dr Subramanian ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding ProVentus Life Sciences and later establishing Vishwa PharmaNexus Corporation. His entrepreneurial journey took another leap in 2015, with the formation of a Joint Venture between Vishwa PharmaNexus and Syntharo Fine Chemicals GmbH, Germany. which led to the creation of Vishwa-Syntharo Pharmachem. Today, Dr Subramanian continues to lead Vishwa-Syntharo Pharmachem, a company serving major chemical clients globally, with a strong focus on Research and Development in India, emphasizing sustainable business models. Let’s hear more from him in this inter -action.
What aspects of your education at IIT Madras do you consider to be the most valuable in shaping your career?
In the 80s, IIT Madras provided an exceptional education with highly committed faculty members dedicated to the intellectual knowledge development of the students, preparing them to meaningfully
address the scientific challenges in a time bound manner. The collaborative environment across departments allowed students to acquire interdisciplinary skills, which was invaluable.
I gained extensive knowledge in various branches of Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Chemical Catalysis. The department was equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, and we had the opportunity to use them hands-on, which was a significant advantage at the time. Today, students typically don’t have direct access to operate these instruments by themselves, as each one is operated by a designated technician. Additionally, my interactions with the Doctoral Committee, which included members from both Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, provided me with a deep understanding of the role engineering plays in chemical processes, further enriching my perspective.
How have the skills you developed helped you overcome challenges and setbacks in your professional career?
When it comes to the field of Research and Development, each day presents unique challenges, often linked to those from the previous day. The key to overcoming these obstacles is identifying the root cause, finding potential solutions, testing them, and implementing them effectively. Solutions are often not found within the immediate problem but in related disciplines. The ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to these issues has been crucial to my success. Furthermore, the problem solving techniques I developed in Chemistry and Technology have been invaluable in efficiently providing solutions to management challenges, allowing me to approach them with the same methodical and solution oriented mindset.
Who are the role models or mentors you had at IIT Madras, and what lessons have you learned from them?
My greatest role model was my PhD thesis mentor, Prof. K K Balasubramanian, who continues to serve as our research advisor even at the age of 83. He taught me that understanding chemical reaction mechanisms is crucial for solving problems as they arise, and he emphasized the importance of using analytical tools to characterize the outcomes of chemical reactions. Although he wasn't directly involved with me during my time at IIT as a student, I recently had the opportunity to engage with Prof. Kamakoti, the current Director of IIT Madras, when he was the Dean of the Institute. We were working towards a collaboration with the Chinese Government for faculty exchanges, research ideas, and
I gained extensive knowledge in various branches of Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Chemical Catalysis. The department was equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, and we had the opportunity to use them hands-on, which was a significant advantage at the time. Today, students typically don’t have direct access to operate these instruments by themselves, as each one is operated by a designated technician. Additionally, my interactions with the Doctoral Committee, which included members from both Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, provided me with a deep understanding of the role engineering plays in chemical processes, further enriching my perspective.
A good leader must help bring out the best in others, both for their growth and for the organization’s success
How have the skills you developed helped you overcome challenges and setbacks in your professional career?
When it comes to the field of Research and Development, each day presents unique challenges, often linked to those from the previous day. The key to overcoming these obstacles is identifying the root cause, finding potential solutions, testing them, and implementing them effectively. Solutions are often not found within the immediate problem but in related disciplines. The ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to these issues has been crucial to my success. Furthermore, the problem solving techniques I developed in Chemistry and Technology have been invaluable in efficiently providing solutions to management challenges, allowing me to approach them with the same methodical and solution oriented mindset.
Who are the role models or mentors you had at IIT Madras, and what lessons have you learned from them?
My greatest role model was my PhD thesis mentor, Prof. K K Balasubramanian, who continues to serve as our research advisor even at the age of 83. He taught me that understanding chemical reaction mechanisms is crucial for solving problems as they arise, and he emphasized the importance of using analytical tools to characterize the outcomes of chemical reactions. Although he wasn't directly involved with me during my time at IIT as a student, I recently had the opportunity to engage with Prof. Kamakoti, the current Director of IIT Madras, when he was the Dean of the Institute. We were working towards a collaboration with the Chinese Government for faculty exchanges, research ideas, and
technology scaling. His humble behaviour, pragmatic and straight approach was remarkable and left a lasting impression in me. He was unlike anyone I had encountered during my student days.
What is the most memorable experience you had during your time at the institute?
The two memories that stand out the most from my time at IIT Madras are unforget-table. The first was during my coursework viva voce examination, where a clash arose between two faculty members due to a difference of opinion. I’ll always remember how the then Head of Department, Prof. V T Ramakrishna, handled the situation with such ease and professionalism. The second memory is from my third year, when my first chosen research topic wasn’t progressing. My senior, Dr T Rajamannar, now Head of R&D at Sun Pharma, redirected me toward an in vogue novel approach that ultimately helped me complete my PhD in record time.
What are the key leadership qualities you have developed throughout your career?
The most important quality I've learned is mentorship. A good leader must help bring out the best in others, both for their growth and for the organization’s success. This requires patience, effort, and persistence. Another crucial quality is conflict resolution. When interpersonal issues arise, whether due to personal reasons, ego, or other factors, the leader must be able to facilitate open dialogue, address the concerns,and resolve conflicts effectively. Unfortunately, this skill is often lacking in India.
Where do you see yourself in the long term in your professional journey?
I see myself contributing to India’s transformation into a global leader in Chemical Manufacturing once again. For years, India lacked innovation in this field, but by the 2000s, we began moving toward it, though still behind Europe and the USA. Meanwhile, China surged ahead by building world class infrastructure, collaborating with Universities to use the best technology, and also using tactics like price manipulation, to dominate the market. India must reorganize, invest in infrastructure, and foster an environment for Research, Innovation, and Low-Cost Manufacturing. I aim to play a role in this crucial journey, focused on creating opportunities, growth, and wealth for others and the country, not material success for myself.
Dr Sankara Subramanian, Director, Vishwa Syntharo Pharmachem
Sankara Subramanian is the Director of VishwaSyntharo Pharmachem. With a PhD from IIT Madras and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he has held leadership roles in major companies like Shasun Chemicals and The Sanmar Group. He is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and low-cost manufacturing in India.
What is the most memorable experience you had during your time at the institute?
The two memories that stand out the most from my time at IIT Madras are unforget-table. The first was during my coursework viva voce examination, where a clash arose between two faculty members due to a difference of opinion. I’ll always remember how the then Head of Department, Prof. V T Ramakrishna, handled the situation with such ease and professionalism. The second memory is from my third year, when my first chosen research topic wasn’t progressing. My senior, Dr T Rajamannar, now Head of R&D at Sun Pharma, redirected me toward an in vogue novel approach that ultimately helped me complete my PhD in record time.
What are the key leadership qualities you have developed throughout your career?
The most important quality I've learned is mentorship. A good leader must help bring out the best in others, both for their growth and for the organization’s success. This requires patience, effort, and persistence. Another crucial quality is conflict resolution. When interpersonal issues arise, whether due to personal reasons, ego, or other factors, the leader must be able to facilitate open dialogue, address the concerns,and resolve conflicts effectively. Unfortunately, this skill is often lacking in India.
Where do you see yourself in the long term in your professional journey?
I see myself contributing to India’s transformation into a global leader in Chemical Manufacturing once again. For years, India lacked innovation in this field, but by the 2000s, we began moving toward it, though still behind Europe and the USA. Meanwhile, China surged ahead by building world class infrastructure, collaborating with Universities to use the best technology, and also using tactics like price manipulation, to dominate the market. India must reorganize, invest in infrastructure, and foster an environment for Research, Innovation, and Low-Cost Manufacturing. I aim to play a role in this crucial journey, focused on creating opportunities, growth, and wealth for others and the country, not material success for myself.
Dr Sankara Subramanian, Director, Vishwa Syntharo Pharmachem
Sankara Subramanian is the Director of VishwaSyntharo Pharmachem. With a PhD from IIT Madras and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he has held leadership roles in major companies like Shasun Chemicals and The Sanmar Group. He is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and low-cost manufacturing in India.