Padma Shri Michel Postel: The Visionary Founder
Padma Shri Michel Postel, a distinguished French national with a background in Pharmacology and Medicine and an alumnus of École Supérieure de Commerce (Sup de Com) Paris, was a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who rose to the rank of Squadron Leader, he brought discipline, courage, and vision to India’s pharmaceutical sector.
He began his professional journey with Laboratoires Richelet in France, where he was offered an opportunity to work either in Brazil or India. Choosing India, he first arrived in Kolkata, where his early ventures met with limited success. Undeterred, he moved to Mumbai, where his entrepreneurial acumen began to flourish. Recognizing a critical shortage in essential medicines, he pioneered the import of Cortisone and Penicillin, achieving remarkable success. Demonstrating foresight, he introduced Penicillin V in India, avoiding the side effects associated with Penicillin G making him the first to launch oral Penicillin in the country.
His success led to the establishment of Roussel India, and on 1st May 1949, he founded Franco-Indian United Laboratories. Through collaborations with Laboratoires Grimault and Ward Blenkinsop Pharmaceuticals – London, he strengthened modern healthcare in India.
A true pioneer, he introduced several “firsts” in India, including:
- ORAL PENICILLIN V - The first oral Penicillin introduced in India.
- CORTISONE - The first Steroid introduced in India.
- METFORMIN - Cornerstone of Diabetes treatment.
- LAVIEST - India's first live Yeast preparation (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae P)
- MELANOCYL - For the treatment of PSORIASIS and VITILIGO and the first to set up a PUVA Clinic for exposure of UV light.
- CEMITIDINE FRANCO-INDIAN – The first of India's generic H2 receptor antagonist.
- LACTISYN - India's first Probiotic in Lyophilized form (Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Lactis, Streptococcus Thermophilus and Streptococcus Lactis).
- MIXCAROTIN - India's first mixed Carotenoid preparation.
In the early 1950’s, Mr. Aaron Director of Laboratoires, RONA in Paris, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Michel Postel’s initiative in pursuing clinical trials on Metformin.
At a time when Biguanides faced global scepticism In 1962, he launched Metformin (GLYCIPHAGE) in India championing its safety and efficacy, by inviting renowned diabetologist Dr. Jean Sterne the “Father of Metformin” to India to educate the medical community, who humbly noted “When I took back on my life, I definitely can say that I’ve served a purpose on Earth”. METFORMIN is his testament. Supported by leading Indian physician Dr. Vishwanathan, this initiative revolutionized diabetes care in India decades before its acceptance in the United States (1995).
For over 20 years, GLYCIPHAGE remained India’s only Metformin brand, reaching millions and establishing Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals as a leader in diabetes care.
He was honoured as an Officer of France’s National Order of Merit (1971) and also awarded the Padma Shri in 2016 by Late President Pranab Mukherjee. Beyond medicine, he was a distinguished writer and patron of Indian art, authoring 12 books and also founding the Musée Asiatica Museum in France.
His legacy of vision, integrity, and innovation continues to inspire generations and guide Franco-Indian Pharmaceuticals in its mission to serve humanity.
A Rare Honour Among French Nationals
A Rare Honour Among French Nationals
Padma Shri–French Recipients
Only 16 Padma Shri recipients from France
Only 4 Born French Nationals
Padma Shri M. Postel
Among this Distinguished Group
The Padma Shri is one of India’s highest civilian honours, awarded to individuals who have made distinguished contributions in various fields such as public affairs, science, arts, social work, and industry. Since the inception of the award in 1954, only 16 individuals from France have been conferred with this prestigious recognition. Among these, only four recipients were born French nationals, while the remaining awardees were of Indian origin who later held French citizenship.
In this distinguished and limited group stands Padma Shri M. Postel, whose contribution and association with India have earned him this exceptional recognition. We take immense pride in him being the first among these native French recipients. His inclusion places him among a very small group of native French citizens to receive the honour, reflecting the depth of his engagement and the value of his contributions. This rare distinction highlights not only his personal achievements but also the strong cultural and intellectual ties between India and France.
Padma Shri Awardees of French Connection
| Year | Recipient | Field | Nationality Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Pessie Madan | Civil Service | Indian-Origin French |
| 1981 | S.H. Raza | Arts | Indian-Origin French |
| 1983 | Raghubir Sing | Arts | Indian-Origin French |
| 2001 | Sanjaya Rajaram | Science & Engineering | Indian-Origin French |
| 2011 | Granville Austin | Literature & Education | Indian-Origin French |
| 2011 | Upendra Baxi | Public Affairs | Indian-Origin French |
| 2013 | Christopher Pinney | Literature & Education | Indian-Origin French |
| 2015 | Saumitra Rawat | Medicine | Indian-Origin French |
| 2016 | Saeed Jaffrey | Arts | Indian-Origin French |
| 2016 | Michael Postel | Arts | French |
| 2020 | Prithwindra Mukherjee | Literature & Education | Indian-Origin French |
| 2024 | Charlotte Chopin | Others - Yoga | French |
| 2024 | Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat | Literature & Education | French |
| 2024 | Fred Negrit | Literature & Education | French |
| 2024 | Kiran Vyas | Others - Yoga | Indian-Origin French |
| 2025 | Chetan Chitnis | Science & Engineering | Indian-Origin French |
Disclaimer: The above information has been compiled from publicly available sources, including Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the data has not been independently verified with official Government of India records.
Our Legacy: Padma Shri Michel Postel
In recognition of Padma Shri Michel Postel’s significant contributions, to preserving and promoting art across borders. The Government of India honoured Padma Shri Michel Postel with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2016.
Musee Asiatica, Biarritz, France.
Musée Asiatica — Much more than a traditional museum, the Musée Asiatica offers Europe’s finest private collection of Asian art and civilizations. We celebrate the unparalleled dedication of our Founder Padma Shri Michel Postel to the world of art. His lifelong love affair with art has not only enriched his soul but also the halls of Musée Asiatica. His generous donation of over 1,600 pieces of Indian and Chinese art is a testament to his deep appreciation and respect for cultural heritage.
Published Books
Padma Shri Michel Postel published several books focusing on Indian art, archaeology, and culture. Showcasing his deep involvement in documenting India's heritage through archaeological and ethnographic studies.
