Have you ever wondered that when good things happen, we never question our worthiness but the moment something goes wrong, the first reaction that comes up is “Why me?”
I’m truly touched by those people who do not succumb to their fate in the eventuality of something going hugely wrong. The ones who fight against their disease or disability with unyielding grit, unflinching determination and immense self-control – thus emerging winners in actual life. The awe-inspiring story of each one of these is what inspired me to initiate Dr Batras’ Positive Health Awards.
Instituted by Dr. Batras’ Positive Health Foundation in 2006, these awards recognise and honour people who have overcome disease and disability to lead positive, purposeful lives. An annual event that has found a permanent place on the country’s event calendar for the last 6 years, these awards are very close to my heart, as also is the case with other eminent jury members – Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Ms. Anu Aga, Mr. Vivek Oberoi, Mr. R. Balki and Mr. Rajiv Bajaj. My heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd. for the support that I have received from him for the past two years.
Every year, as we receive hundreds of nominations for the awards from all over the country, it is one of the most difficult things for our jury to select the finalists. Every story touches my heart; some even bring tears to my eyes. I only realize how lucky I have been to be complete in body, mind and soul. Over the years, I have seen people who were born without limbs, or lost them later; people with no vision in their eyes but a mind that has a crystal clear vision – to make their lives purposeful for the benefit of mankind; and people who have fought debilitating illnesses yet toiled hard to better the lives of others.
What’s more inspiring is that none of them were stopped by their own difficulties – they kept walking on and on along the path of life, making a positive difference to other people’s lives. And it’s as if God Himself was with them all along to grant their wish and to propel them in the right direction. Each one of these reiterate the famous saying, “Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna Ki Har Taqdeer Se Pehle – Khuda Bande Se Khud Pooche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai”. I proudly salute the spirit of all our Positive Health Heroes!