Patel to be feted at Ellis Island.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: The New Jersey City University Foundation will honor Indian American businessman and philanthropist Chirag Patel at a gala event this Thursday, June 5.
Patel will be feted alongside former Rep. Frank Guarini (D-NJ) and fellow businessman Carlos Rodriguez at the Grand Hall on Ellis Island, in a lavish event that will celebrate the contributions made by immigrants who have come to America, established their success, and given back to their communities in significant ways.
Patel is the Chairman and co-CEO of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, which he operates with his brother, Chintu Patel. Based in New Jersey, the company produces generic pharmaceutical drugs for sale in the US. It is privately owned, and has offices throughout New York and New Jersey, with one in Kentucky and another in Ahmedabad, India.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals is also in the reckoning to buy Hyderabad-based oncology products manufacturer Epsilon Pharmaceuticals, which includes a manufacturing facility approved by the US FDA. The deal is reportedly worth as much as Rs. 100 crore, or over $16.67 million.
As for Patel – he is originally from India, and came to the US with his brother in the 1980s. He is an alumnus of New Jersey City University (NJCU), having graduated from there in 1989 before going into business for himself, founding three companies on his own before starting up Amneal in 2002 with his brother.
“Chirag imbues Amneal with his entrepreneurial spirit and vision, coupled with professional experience, enthusiasm and confidence,” the company’s website says of Patel.
Because of his alumnus status, he will be awarded with the NJCU Alumnus of Distinction Award at Thursday’s ceremony. Patel’s brother, Chintu, was also recognized earlier this year by the Desai Foundation, at its New York City fundraiser on April 9.