SOARING BEYOND CONSTRAINTS
Mrs. Saroj G. Warke, Co-founder and Director of Information Technology at HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., has powered India’s bioscience evolution through determination and innovation. Her journey demonstrates how progressive vision, resilience, and a commitment to excellence can transform a small enterprise into a global leader.
MRS. WARKE UPHOLDS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE BASED ON ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY, & FAIRNESS. SHE PROMOTES PARTICIPATIVE DECISION-MAKING ACROSS ALL LEVELS
Back in 1974, when the biotechnology industry was heavily dominated by multinational companies, Mrs. Warke, along with her husband Dr. G. M. Warke and brother-in-law Mr. Vishnu M. Warke, decided to take the road less travelled. With no external funding and limited resources, the trio began HiMedia in a basic kitchen setup, which later grew into one of the globally acclaimed Indian-origin bioscience enterprises. Their goal was to provide high-quality, affordable microbiological products for Indian researchers, educators, and students. This initiative not only made scientific tools more accessible but also fueled India’s self-reliance in bioscience. Now, HiMedia serves over 150 countries and exemplifies the “Make in India” initiative.
TECHNOLOGY AS A GAME-CHANGER
Long before “digital transformation” became a buzzword, Mrs. Warke realised that technology would shape the future of every business. In the late 1980s, she brought HiMedia’s first computer on board for stock management and database maintenance, which eventually marked the company’s entry into the digital world. By the 1990s, she had rolled out Oracle-based systems linking production, sales, and finance, creating a truly integrated workflow. In 2006, she advanced the company’s digital journey by adopting SAP HANA, a bold move at a time when such systems were mostly the domain of global giants. Within just five months, HiMedia had fully transitioned to the new platform, aligning operations with global best practices and setting the stage for international expansion.
PIONEERING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
In 2008, Mrs. Warke rolled out HiMedia’s Dealers’ Portal, enabling real-time communication with distributors. In 2013, she introduced a multilingual labelling system through SAP EH&S—a first for any Indian life sciences company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many businesses struggled, she quickly implemented thin-client computing and remote access, keeping operations smooth and showing that foresight and agility truly go hand in hand. Under her direction, HiMedia also embraced RFID-enabled smart warehouses, IoT-driven smart factories, and AI-powered decision-making systems. She set up a dedicated AI team to rethink processes through smart automation, turning technology from a simple operational tool into a powerful driver of innovation and efficiency.
A LEADER WITH A PURPOSE
Mrs. Warke’s leadership philosophy is grounded in clarity, compassion, and collaboration. She believes that Information Technology should function like the nervous system of an organisation. Her approach rests on five pillars: biotechnology, information technology, human resources, marketing, and yoga, each forming an integral part of her holistic management style.
In biotechnology, she guides HiMedia’s R&D efforts to drive innovation. On the IT front, she has helped make HiMedia one of the most digitally advanced bioscience companies globally. In people management, she focuses on empowerment, mentoring, and continuous learning to build a motivated and loyal workforce. Together with Mr. V. M. Warke, she has expanded HiMedia’s reach to many countries, bringing together her tech expertise and his market insight. Her fifth pillar, yoga, mirrors her personal belief in balancing mind, body, and spirit for lasting success.
YOGA AND MINDFULNESS
For Mrs. Warke, yoga is a way of life. A certified Yoga Therapist from AYUSH, she uses her expertise to help people manage conditions like asthma, PCOD, infertility, and stress. She also conducts GarbhSanskar programs for guiding expectant parents to nurture physical and emotional well-being before and after childbirth. She believes that yoga enhances focus and fosters creativity, which is why she encouraged all HiMedia employees to embrace mindfulness, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic.
A GRITTY LEADER
For Mrs. Warke, competition is a motivator rather than a menace. She believes that rivalry keeps an organisation “on its toes” and helps drive innovation. She says, “Competition is not about proving others wrong; it’s about proving yourself right.” Her strategy to stay ahead revolves around three core principles—uncompromising quality, relentless innovation, and deep customer empathy. She encourages her teams to focus on long-term value rather than short-term wins. A goals-driven leader, Mrs. Warke aims to deepen HiMedia’s digital capabilities by expanding AI, IoT, and automation across operations. Her long-term goal is to democratise science globally so as to make research tools accessible to all, while building a sustainable, AI-driven enterprise.
MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
For Mrs. Warke believes in giving back to society. Under her leadership, HiMedia’s CSR work has touched countless lives. A major part of this impact comes through Manobal Foundation, which runs two impactful initiatives. Manobal (Deepstambh Foundation) empowers differently-abled individuals, orphans, transgender persons, and underprivileged youth by providing education, training, and career opportunities. Likewise, Manobal: A New Beginning Foundation works against human trafficking by rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating victims. Under her leadership, HiMedia also supports the Autism Intervention Centre at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and the Regenerative Medicine Research Centre at Sir J. J. Hospital. Further, projects like the water conservation pond in Nashik and partnerships with Isha Vidhya schools reflect her deep commitment to sustainable community development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she ensured uninterrupted supply of HiMedia’s essential bioscience products and extended support to frontline workers and affected families.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Under Mrs. Warke’s guidance, HiMedia has embedded sustainability into its core operations. From energy-efficient manufacturing and water recycling systems to responsible waste management and eco-friendly sourcing, every initiative reflects her belief that “progress should never come at the planet’s expense.” She also promotes eco-consciousness among employees through awareness programs and workplace green drives, making sustainability a shared value within the organisation.
