Abhay Deol Felicitates the Awardees at 6th Dr. Batra's Positive Health Awards in Mumbai

Online, December 15, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Batra's Positive Health Awards 2011, an initiative to recognize and award the heroism of those that have displayed outstanding courage in the fight against disease and disability, were held at the NCPA today. Bollywood icon, Abhay Deol presented the awards to this year's winners at a glittering ceremony that had over 1,000 people in attendance. It marked the 6th year of this initiative.

The winners for this year's edition of the awards were selected by an eminent panel of jurists comprising of Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Ms. Anu Aga, Mr. Vivek Oberoi, Mr. R. Balki, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj and Dr. Mukesh Batra. The awardees were, Mr. Girish Sharma, Mrs. Geeta Castelino, Mr. Rahul Deshmukh and Mr. Bandenawaz Sheikh 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 performances by dance guru Shiamak Davar's troupe of specially-abled children. There was also a musical rendition and dance performance by the students of The Happy Home and School for the Blind, with whom Dr Batra's is associated since last 40 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder and CMD, Dr. Batras' Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Ltd. said, "The Dr. Batra's Positive Health Awards salutes people with unyielding grit and unflinching determination, who have beaten the odds to overcome seemingly hopeless conditions and give back something commendable to society in their own way. The heroes selected this year have demonstrated that very strength of the human spirit. The Positive Health Awards honor this spirit and re-affirm Dr Batra's commitment to health and positivity"

Reiterating his support to the cause, Mr. Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd. said, "The Dr. Batra's Positive Health Awards are a step in the right direction and we are proud to be associated with this initiative for the second consecutive year. We firmly believe that the awardees stories will inspire and spread hope to others."

About the Awardees:

Girish Sharma (24 years)- Girish, from Rajkot, lost his right leg when he was just 2 years old in a rail accident. Girish loved playing outdoors with his friends. Through sheer determination and a strong desire he took up badminton. He began playing badminton when he was 14, and within a year he became the world No. 2 in both singles and doubles physically-challenged categories. He has been selected for November 2011 world championship at Guatemala, South America.

Geeta Castelino (49 years)- Geeta, from Mumbai, was afflicted with Polio at the tender age of two and a half years. Today she is pursuing three careers - a consulting social Psychologist, an educationist in the field of Art, Design & Fashion Technology and a Corporate Trainer. Geeta became a lecturer at the age of 18 and Principal at the age of 32. She heads the Kala Ghoda Street Festival and is a member of the Board of Kala Ghoda Association, Mumbai for the past 9 years.

Rahul Deshmukh (34 years)- Rahul, from Pune, has been an optimistic visually challenged youth he has an M.A. (Political Science & Sociology), B.ED. (History & Marathi) and has even appeared for M.Phil (Sociology). He is working for the welfare of visually impaired and physically handicapped people since last 12 years. Rahul formed the 'Snehankit Association For The Non Seeing Friends' in 1999, when he was only in 12th standard. He also formed 'National Association For The Welfare Of Physically Challenged' (NAWPC) in May 2008 to work also for the rehabilitation of all types of physically challenged (not just the visually challenged).

Bandenawaz Nadaf (25 years)- Bandenawaz, from Mumbai, was born with no arms, a congenital anomaly. Today Bandenawaz is a painter. He paints with his feet. His foot-paintings adorn many a galleries, including Jehangir Art Gallery, and the homes of numerous people including that of Raveena Tandon.