Honouring the extraordinary human spirit and courage
Celebrating 11 glorious years of the triumph of human spirit, Dr Batra’s Positive Health Awards 2017 presented by Bajaj V recognised five heroes who have exemplified extraordinary courage in their fight against disease and disability by emerging victorious and creating a positive impact on society.
The awardees included Noori Salem — an HIVpositive transwoman from Chennai, who runs a shelter for abandoned HIV-positive children and Bharat Kumar — the one-armed swimmer from Haryana, who has bagged 50 medals making India proud. Other awardees included Preethi Srinivasan — a quadriplegic from Tiruvannamalai, who provides educational and employment opportunities for the disabled through her NGO and Bhavesh Bhatia —a visually challenged entrepreneur from Mahabaleshwar, who started out as a street vendor but today runs a successful company and has provided employment to over 2000 blind people. Besides them, Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, who despite 90 percent disability due to a rare brittle bone disease, is a singer, graphic designer and a motivational speaker has also been awarded.
Gracing the occasion were Mandira Bedi, Kim Sharma, Rakesh Bedi, Raageshwari Loomba, Ameen Sayani and Arvind Sawant. Speaking at the award ceremony, Padma Shri recipient Dr Mukesh Batra, founder and chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra’s Group of Companies said, “Through the Positive Health Awards that is in its 11th year, our endeavour is to support and recognise the perseverance of these real-life heroes, who are shining beacons to the society, displaying their unyielding grit and determination. We raise a toast to their unbreakable spirit and salute these amazing individuals.”