Bollywood’s ‘Superhero’ Hrithik Roshan honors real life superheroes

Bajaj Discover presents Dr Batra’s ‘8^th Positive Health Awards’ at NCPA

Bollywood’s ‘Superhero’ Hrithik Roshan honors real life superheroes

Mumbai, 9^th Oct 2013: Dr Batra’s Positive Health Awards 2013, an initiative to recognise and award the heroism of those who have displayed outstanding courage and have inspired many people in different ways in their fight against disease and disability, was held at NCPA, Mumbai today. Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan appreciated the courage of the heroes and presented the awards to the winners at a glittering ceremony that had over 1,000 people in attendance. It marked the 8^th year of this initiative.

The winners of this year’s edition of the awards were selected by an eminent panel of jurists, comprising Maneka Gandhi, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, Filmmaker R. Balki, Bajaj Auto Managing Director - Rajiv Bajaj, and Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri Recipient - Founder & Chairman, Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic. The awardees were Ms Ruhi Shingade, Ms Nishtha Thaker Anand, Mr. Girish Gogia, Ms. Saylee Nandkishor Agavane and Mr. Narayan D. Dharap, who exemplified what it takes to transform humans into heroes. 

In addition to a short biographic film on each awardee, attendees at the award function were treated to scintillating dance performance by Ability Unlimited Foundation a dance troupe of specially-abled children. There was also a musical rendition by the students of The Happy Home and School for the Blind, with whom Dr Batra’s has been associated with for the last 42 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri recipient said: “The Positive Health Awards honor people who have beaten the odds to achieve greatness and at the same time have given back to society in their own way. This is the 8^th year of these awards, and every year I am amazed at the spirits these awardees exhibit. They are truly ambassadors of life worth living.” 

Reiterating his support to the cause, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj said: The courage and confidence of these awardees have inspired me and many and will undoubtedly continue to inspire and spread hope to others in the country. Having been associated with this initiative and witnessing the remarkable stories of strength and recovery of the awardees, I have seen this event grow phenomenally.” 

About the Awardees 2013

Ruhi Shingade – Ms Ruhi, a resident of Nallasopara was diagnosed with a disorder that restricts growth (4 ft tall). She has won a Gold Medal for power-lifting at an international event in USA. (Power lifting is a form of competitive weightlifting in which contestants attempt three types of lift in asset sequence). The gold in power lifting means that Ruhi is now eligible for a direct entry to the World Dwarf Olympics in Australia in 2017. She was the only athlete from Maharashtra at the event, which was held from August 3 to 10, drawing 395 competitors from 17 countries. She was among the 17 athletes from India who competed in the World Dwarf Games, organised for people with dwarfism every four years since 1993.   

Nishtha Thaker Anand - Nishtha was diagnosed with the rarest form of Muscular Dystrophy at age 11. She also contracted tuberculosis that compelled her to bed rest and could only work with the use of a wheelchair. She was not able to attend college yet she completed her Graduation in Commerce and Post-Graduation in Human Resource. She currently works with Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the publication department. She is also a social worker and has contributed a lot in the field of rehabilitation and empowerment of the persons living with disability. She is the Head of Gujarat State for Indian Association of Muscular Dystrophy. She has won several awards and accolades for her hard work and dedication, to give her best in the job. Recently, she won the Best Employee Award from Gujarat Government. She was honored with “Long Achievement Award” by BJP Mahila Morcha for her contribution in the field of differently-abled, in 2011.

Girish Gogia - Girish was disabled in the year 1999 at an unfortunate diving accident on a holiday in Goa. This accident left him completely paralyzed neck downwards due to cervical spinal cord injury which left all his limbs immobile (Quadriplegic). Girish is a motivational Speaker. He feels that it’s his duty to share his experiences with others and convey the message of positivity. His mission is to enlighten as many souls as possible through the power of Positive Energy in order to change their perception towards life.

Saylee Nandkishor Agavane - Saylee is a mentally handicapped 22 years old. Her mission in life is to uplift kids like her, to come up in life and become self sufficient. She trains special children to dance and a passionate dancer herself. She attends Kathak as well Shaimak Davar's western dance classes. She has been awarded by the Government of India for her outstanding achievements.

Narayan D. Dharap - Narayan is an 88 year old man who has been a parapalegic for 55 years. He met with a major accident at age 30 that left him wheel chair bound since.  Using his experience Narayan Authored a book ‘Cannot Walk! So What!”. He is a life time member of the "Fellowship of the Physically Challenged" and a member of Nina Foundation. He is also associated with the "Helpers of the Handicapped" & "Apang Maitri." He has participated in the Games for the Disabled Persons, participated in Mumbai Marathon organised for Wheelchair bound persons by Standard Chartered Bank. He has received award for the "Best Rehabilitated person."

For more information, please visit www.drbatras.com