Bajaj Discover presents Dr Batra's™ 8th Positive Health Awards at NCPA

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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. It marked the 8th year of this initiative.

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. He felt inspired and thanked Dr. Batra for his immeasurable contribution not just in the auditorium but in the entire world.

On the occasion, Hrithik Roshan said, "Inspiring the world with these stories I think is the most amazing thing one can do for society, for human beings, to teach them that disability is a chance for us to learn from and conquer our own disabilities in our minds, what is impossible but after this evening nothing is impossible."

The event was also attended by bollywood celebrities Zayed Khan along with his wife Malaika, Sanjay Khan and Zareen Khan, R Balki, Mandira Bedi, Pankaj Udhas, Varsha Usgaonkar and Kiran Shantaram.

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,"This is the 8th 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 always inspires me. 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: A 4 feet tall power lifter who has won the Gold medal at the world dwarf games in America and who now aspires to win at the world dwarf Olympics at Australia in 2017.

Nishtha Thaker Anand: Suffered from muscular dystrophy since age 11. Confined to a wheelchair. Works at IIM and has won the best employee award from Gujarat Government.

Girish Gogia: On a beach holiday one miscalculated dive from a cliff caused him to become quadriplegic, paralysed from the neck down. Today at 43 he is a successful interior designer as well as a motivational speaker.

Saylee Nandkishor Agavane: A girl with severe Down syndrome who has learnt Kathak and western dance and wants to open her own dance academy for the differently abled.

Narayan D. Dharap- Now 85 yrs old, was just 30 when an accident at work put him in a wheel chair for life. Has authored a book – “CANNOT WALK! SO WHAT!”. Became the 1st person to demand and achieve a road license for a modified vehicle for the handicapped.