Leena Gandhi Tewari: The Quiet Billionaire Powering India’s Pharma Dreams

When we talk about billionaires in India, names from the tech or startup world often dominate the conversation. But quietly commanding an empire that touches millions of lives every day is Leena Gandhi Tewari, one of India’s richest women and the force behind pharmaceutical giant USV Private Limited.

Leena Gandhi Tewari may not be as instantly recognizable as some of her peers, but her influence runs deep. As the Chairperson of USV, a global leader in diabetic and cardiovascular medicines, Tewari has not only steered a 2,600-crore company to international heights but done so with an ethos of purpose and humility. Her story stands out in an age of loud leadership—where actions speak louder than PR.

What makes Leena Gandhi Tewari particularly inspiring is her commitment to both innovation and impact. USV was originally founded by her grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, in 1961. Under Tewari’s leadership, the company has expanded its footprint to over 75 countries, specializing in biotechnology, injectables, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). At a time when healthcare access and affordability are critical issues, her work in generic medicines is helping make treatments more accessible not just in India, but across the globe.

But here’s something most people don’t know: Leena Gandhi Tewari is also a passionate advocate for education and rural development. Through her philanthropic arm, the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women, she’s helping women in rural Maharashtra gain vocational training and financial independence. It’s this blend of business acumen and social commitment that makes her leadership especially noteworthy.

In an era where the spotlight often falls on startup unicorns and tech disruption, Leena Gandhi Tewari’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable success can be quietly built—brick by brick, with impact at its core.

For young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs looking for role models in business and beyond, Tewari offers a blueprint worth studying: lead with vision, stay rooted in values, and let the work speak for itself.