The 16th edition of the prestigious Dr Batra’s Positive Health Awards, supported by Bajaj Auto, honored persons who have triumphed over profound illnesses and disabilities while contributing to society. Hosted by renowned actress Mandira Bedi at the TATA Theatre, NCPA, the event celebrated resilience, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.
Delivering the keynote address, Padma Shri Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder of Dr Batra’s Group of Companies, praised the awardees, saying, “Each of our heroes tonight has a unique story, but all are threaded with courage, sacrifice, and an extraordinary spirit. Their journeys teach us that true power lies within. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive society that values the contributions of every individual, regardless of their abilities.” He also saluted the caregivers, calling them “unseen warriors” who play a crucial role in transforming victims into victors.
The awards were judged by an eminent jury panel including Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto; Dr Mukesh Batra; animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi; actor Vivek Oberoi; and filmmaker R Balki. They faced the challenging task of selecting winners from hundreds of inspiring applications from across the country.
Over 1,000 prominent figures attended, including Guest of Honour Dr Bu Abdullah, chairman of Bu Abdullah Group (UAE), who flew in from Dubai.
The evening featured awe-inspiring performances by ‘Swarrange,’ a visually challenged orchestra, and Bengaluru’s Pasha Dance Group, whose wheelchair dancers combined kathak and bharatnatyam.
Honoring extraordinary achievements
The People’s Choice Award went to Satyam Sam, a Paralympics 2023 bronze medalist in badminton, who received over four lakh votes. Despite losing his left hand and leg in a childhood accident, he emerged victorious in sports and life.
Suvarna Raj, a para-athlete and advocate for disability rights, received over three lakh votes. Suvarna, who also won the 2024 UN SDG Action Award, has influenced policies and raised awareness about accessible elections in India.
Anand Arnold, another exemplary person, secured over two lakh votes. Each awardee was honoured with the title “Positive Health Hero 2024,” a certificate, a trophy, and Rs1 lakh cash prize to support their future endeavours.
The Dr Batra's Positive Health Awards was also given to four individuals who are torchbearers of courage, determination and triumph of human spirit.
Adithya Suresh (16), a social media rockstar from Kerala born with brittle bone disease, was one of the awardees. While receiving the award, Adithya said, "No one is perfect. Everyone has their positives and negatives. So, don't be afraid of your difficulties. Be yourself and believe in yourself. We share abilities. We have our own talent, our own strength to achieve. We hold the key to success in our lives. So, work hard and achieve your goals."
Susan Sabriye, who lost her sight gradually as a child due to retinitis pigmentosa, shared her perspective on the term "disability," saying she uses it with pride. She emphasized the importance of the rights to take risks, take responsibility, and not be reduced to one’s disability. “We must not be seen merely as objects of charity but as contributors who can help solve the world's problems. The secret is that those who are disabled are already used to facing challenges daily and finding solutions,” she said.
Dr. Batra, Actor Sonu Sood, along with Farah Khan Ali, well known jewellery designer and others presenting the the Dr Batra’s Positive Health Awards 2024 at NCPA, Nariman Point in Mumbai to Susan Sabriye, who runs a blind school in Tibet |
Umeer Farook (40), born with a rare disease called leontiasis ossea, an overgrowth of facial and cranial bones, was recognized for his work in holistic well-being and making healthcare accessible in Lakshadweep. While accepting the award, Umeer stated, "I believe in an inclusive society. I am unique, and that is my identity."
Nipun Malhotra (37), a Mumbai-born social entrepreneur and disability rights activist, was the fourth awardee. Diagnosed with arthrogryposis, a condition where the muscles in his arms and legs are underdeveloped, Malhotra emphasized, “You cannot divide people into those with disabilities and those without. Everyone is temporarily able-bodied. Many have elderly family members with issues like vision, mobility, or hearing challenges. When we work for an inclusive world, we’re not just addressing 7-8% of India’s population but the entire 100%.”
Luv Sinha- celebrity, Dr Akshay Batra, Dr Bhatra, Abhishek Karnani-president of the Free Press Journal , presenting the award to Nipun Malhotra |
Sonu Sood, Dr Akshay Batra, Dr Bhatra, Abhishek Karnani-president of the Free Press Journal , presenting the award to Nipun Malhotra |
Leaders laud the initiative
Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood praised the initiative, stating, “These inspirational stories set an example for all of us. Dr Batra’s Foundation is doing commendable work in recognizing these achievements and promoting homeopathy as a safe healing method.”
Mesmerising performance by Bengaluru’s Pasha Dance Group, whose wheelchair dancers combined kathak and bharatnatyam |
Mesmerising performance by Bengaluru’s Pasha Dance Group, whose wheelchair dancers combined kathak and bharatnatyam |
Mesmerising performance by Bengaluru’s Pasha Dance Group, whose wheelchair dancers combined kathak and bharatnatyam |
Mesmerising performance by Bengaluru’s Pasha Dance Group, whose wheelchair dancers combined kathak and bharatnatyam |
Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood praised the initiative, stating, “These inspirational stories set an example for all of us." |
Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto, stressed upon the impact of homeopathy and its modernised global reach under Dr Batra’s leadership. “We are proud to support this platform that highlights the resilience of differently-abled individuals,” he said.
