At just 21, Arjun Deshpande has made a significant impact on India’s pharmaceutical industry.
His entrepreneurial journey began during college when he witnessed the struggle many people faced in accessing affordable medicine. At just 16 years old, in 2018, he founded Generic Aadhaar to offer a range of low-cost generic medicines as an alternative to expensive branded drugs typically found in traditional pharmacies.
Today, Generic Aadhaar not only provides generic medicines online but also operates a network of franchises offering discounts ranging from 80% to 90%. Arjun has caught the attention of renowned industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who was deeply impressed by Arjun’s vision after listening to his inspiring TED talk. With Tata’s support and backing, Generic Aadhaar is now worth approximately Rs 500 crore or 60 million dollars.
Arjun’s remarkable achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally, landing him on prestigious lists such as Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and Fortune India 40 Under 40. He also received from President Droupadi Murmu, who called him as the “wonder kid of pharma” and acknowledged the company’s significant contribution to the country’s economic growth.
Looking ahead, Arjun plans to expand Generic Aadhaar’s operations to several countries and open stores in Oman, Dubai, Colombia, and Vietnam.
His inspiring journey not only motivated many young individuals to pursue entrepreneurship and create positive change, but also gave hope for millions of Indians who can now access affordable medication through Generic Aadhaar.
Featured Image Source: Generic Aadhaar
