Within the Cipla Archives collection is a precious artifact known as the visitors book. This invaluable book holds a collection of handwritten remarks from prominent personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Azad, and numerous other dignitaries. Spanning 206 pages, this book encompasses a total of 436 comments left by esteemed visitors - a testament to the vision of Cipla's humble origins and sustained growth.
In 2005, our Chairman, Dr. Y.K. Hamied, was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan - India's third highest civilian honour. This certificate bears the distinguished seal and signature of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, who presented this award to Dr. Y.K. Hamied. Interestingly, the date indicated on this certificate is meticulously recorded in accordance with both the Shaka and Gregorian calendars - a practice that is seen in all official communications issued by the Government of India.
This intriguing booklet holds significant historical value. Dating back to the year 1946, this was the 11th edition of the company's price list showcasing Cipla's diverse offerings of products during that era. Notably, the prices featured in this booklet are denoted in rupees and annas, providing a captivating glimpse of the pricing of medicines at the time.
Within the Cipla Archives, we have a German translation of the renowned Indian patriotic song 'Vande Mataram.' This remarkable piece, originally penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya, was later adapted into a soul-stirring song by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore. In later years, 'Vande Mataram' was adopted as the national song of India, symbolizing the nation's fervent devotion and love for the motherland. The presence of documents within our collections reflects the far-reaching impact and global resonance of this iconic composition.
Cipla was originally named the Chemical Industrial & Pharmaceutical Laboratories since its establishment in 1935. Old company stationery like this envolepe, shows the early circular logo and full name of the company.
Preserved within our archives, we have a noteworthy document in the form of an 'Internal Communication' memo from the year 1950. This intriguing item proudly displays the old letterhead of the company, capturing a glimpse of its historical brand identity. What makes this memo even more significant is that it bears the distinguished signature of Dr. K.A. Hamied, our founder and Managing Director at the time. A tangible link to the past, reflecting internal communication practices and corporate identity.
Transporting us back in time, these "slides" were a common presentation format a few decades ago. These 35 mm transparencies, carefully mounted on cards, required the aid of a "slide projector" to bring them to life during presentations. Within the archives, we house a remarkable collection of over 300 such slides, each encapsulating a unique visual narrative. This slide is from a presentation circa 1990s on the subject of arthrology. A captivating reminder of the technologies and visual storytelling methods employed in the past, allowing us to appreciate the evolution of presentation formats over time.
A meticulously designed Cipla stall made its presence felt at all Indian medical conferences. This well-branded stall proudly showcased the company. A highlight of this stall was the display cabinet, thoughtfully arranged to exhibit a range of Cipla products available during that era. A remarkable indication of Cipla's participation at a national-level medical conference offering insight into the company's marketing efforts and commitment to excellence in the field of medicine.
On the momentous occasion of Cipla's 50th incorporation anniversary, a commemorative film was produced in 1985. As a tribute to Cipla's remarkable journey and achievements. Widely distributed on VHS tapes like these, this film became a treasured memento, allowing individuals to witness the inspiring story of Cipla's growth and contributions to the field of pharmaceuticals and healthcare since 1935. While we no longer use this format to view the film, the archives hold a digitized version.
In the Archives, we have an interesting telegram from 1985. This telegram carries a significant message: it invites the recipient for an interview at Cipla. A nostalgic reminder from a time when telegrams played a vital role in transmitting important information and were a common mode of communication. While the telegram service may be a thing of the past, its historical significance and the memories it holds continue to be cherished as part of our collective heritage.
To commemorate the momentous occasion of Cipla's 80th incorporation anniversary, a special souvenir was released in 2015. This carefully crafted memento served as a tribute to the remarkable journey of Cipla, spanning eight decades of excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. A testament to the company's unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and improving healthcare worldwide.
In the year 2010, Cipla reached a significant milestone of 75 years in its mission of "Caring for Life." To mark the momentous occasion, a special commemorative coin was gifted to employees. This symbolic gesture served as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the collective efforts and dedication of every individual who contributed to Cipla's enduring legacy. The commemorative coin stands as a tangible reminder of the company's commitment to improving lives and making a positive impact in healthcare and is a cherished keepsake for many.