A centre named after Dr Yusuf Hamied, Chairman of Indian pharmaceutical major Cipla, has been opened in Christ's College, University of Cambridge.
The new theatre with its associated public rooms incorporating bar, music practice room and gym is the result of a generous donation by Hamied who was recently elected an Honorary Fellow of the College in recognition of his contribution to the pharmaceutical industry and his provision of affordable drugs to developing nations.
The Master of Christ's, Professor Frank Kelly said, "We owe a debt of gratitude to Yusuf Hamied. He has contributed to the College's life in many ways and is a wonderful friend to those who know him personally.
"The presence of so many of his friends here today, together with students, staff and fellows of Christ's, pay tribute to a warm, kind-spirited man, who works hard for the greater good."
Born in Lithuania, Hamied was raised in Mumbai. He studied for six years at Christ's and matriculated from there in 1954 to read Natural Sciences.
Speaking at the launch event, Hamied said, "There is a real bond between myself and Christ's. Two Christ's men - Dr Lucan Pratt and Lord Alexander Todd - above all others, are singularly responsible for directing and shaping my life."
Hamied is a member of the Cambridge India Partnership Advisory Board and of the Mumbai Cambridge Society.
