Khwaja Abdul Hamied, the founder of Cipla, was born on October 31, 1898. The fire of nationalism was kindled in him when he was 15 as he witnessed a wanton act of colonial highhandedness. The fire was to blaze within him right through his life.

In college, he found Chemistry fascinating. He set sail for Europe in 1924 and got admission in Berlin University as a research student of "The Technology of Barium Compounds". He earned his doctorate three years later.

In October 1927, during the long voyage from Europe to India, he drew up great plans for the future. He wrote: "No modern industry could have been possible without the help of such centres of research work where men are engaged in compelling nature to yield her secrets to the ruthless search of an investigating chemist." His plan found many supporters but no financiers. However, Dr Hamied was determined to being "a small wheel, no matter how small, than be a cog in a big wheel."