The Founders

Late Asoke Kumar Sen

Ignited by the fire of building a nation that can proudly exhibit its scientific advancement and industrial self-reliance, Asoke Kumar Sen founded East India Pharmaceutical Works in 1936 – a company that he took to dignifying heights with his relentless passion and uncompromising persistence on perfection.

A First Class Post-Graduate in Organic Chemistry from the University of Kolkata, he steered the course of the company, first as its Managing Director till 1976 and then as the Chairman till 1981. To all those who had the privilege of knowing him closely, Asoke Kumar Sen was an institution.

Late Hirendra Nath Duttagupta

Matching shoulders with Asoke Kumar Sen was Hirendra Nath Duttagupta, whose intricate business sense and able leadership guided EIPW to its eminent stature in the country’s drug industry.

His journey has been an inspiration. Being an active freedom fighter during the Indian struggle, he was imprisoned while pursuing Physics at Presidency College, Calcutta. As a result, his quest to proceed with science was forcefully denied. But with strong perseverance, he went on to complete his graduation in Arts.

He initially joined the erstwhile Managing Agents of EIPW and then gradually became an ex-officio Director. He rose to become its Managing Director in 1956, a post he continued to hold till the day he breathed his last in 1987. He was also the past National President of Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India.

Past Managing Directors

Late Dipankar Duttagupta

An accomplished alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta and New York State University, Dipankar Duttagupta started his career as a Consultant at AT&T. He joined EIPW in 1975 and served the company for over 37 years, last as Managing Director until his untimely death in 2012. His skillful handling of Industrial Relations is an example of ideal relationship between the employer and employees, which was a major stimulus for growth of EIPW. His interest in science for new molecular targets of drug development and appreciation for novel discoveries was inspirational.

He also served as Chairman of Indian Chemical Council (Eastern Region), Chairman of the Medical Committee of OPPI, President of Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industries and as Chairman of National Safety Council, West Bengal Chapter.

Late Amit Kumar Sen

One of the few distinguished fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India to receive the Golden Membership and a fellow member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries, UK; Amit Kumar Sen used his precise understanding of finance, accounts and administration to steer EIPW’s growth for over half a century, till his sad demise in March 2019.

He became the company’s Managing Director in 1987 and with his admirable proficiency in business relationship development; he not only took EIPW to international shores but also went on to head the table at major Chambers, Clubs and Organisations.