·         Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao delivers the first Dr L H Hiranandani Oration and commemorates contribution of the ones who have used the power of health and humanity to serve the society

·         Padma Bhushan Dr Suresh Advani, a medical oncologist conferred with the first Dr L H Hiranandani award for his immense contribution in the field of cancer 

·         Present at the event was Honorable Former President of India Pratibha Patil

·         Event marks the launch of the first Dr L H Hiranandani Award – an initiative to commemorate individuals for their efforts reflecting humanity

 

Mumbai, January 21, 2016: Humanity has been a virtue that has transformed societies and surroundings across the globe. There are nominated individuals who contribute and then there are volunteers, the unsung heroes who devote themselves for the betterment of the people around them. With a noble intent to honor the contributions and sacrifices of these ‘individuals’, an endeavour to recognize their contribution has begun. The Dr L H Hiranandani Award launched in Mumbai amidst the presence of Honorable Governor of Maharashtra, Vidyasagar Rao and Honorable Former President of India, Pratibha Patil was a demonstration of that.

The first recipient of this recognition is Padma Bhushan Dr Suresh Advani – a medical oncologist par excellence and a pioneer of stem cell transplantation in Mumbai. The award was conferred by Governor Vidyasagar Rao in the presence of doctors, healthcare professionals and select invitees from the healthcare industry. The event was spearheaded by Niranjan Hiranandani, Co-founder and MD of Hiranandani Group and Dr Sujit Chatterjee, CEO of Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital.

 

Expressing his gratitude, Governor Vidyasagar Rao said, “I feel honored and privileged to deliver the first ‘Dr L H Hiranandani’ oration here in Mumbai. Dr Hiranandani dedicated his entire life to make specialized healthcare affordable to the common man. I am very happy that the Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital Trust has instituted an award in his name. Dr Advani has rendered outstanding service to the medical profession and to the society at large for more than four decades. I extend my heartiest congratulations to Dr Advani on being conferred the first Dr L H Hiranandani Award.”  

 

Honorable Former President of India Pratibha Patil also addressed the gathering and said, “Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital has been in the fore front of healthcare and a lot of initiatives. In addition the hospital also leads in creating and spreading health awareness in the country. I heartily congratulate Dr. Suresh Advani for receiving this prestigious award. I am known to Dr. Advani’s contribution and he is an excellent doctor who has surpassed limitations and earned a name in the world for his excellent skill.”

 

Commenting on the event, Niranjan Hiranandani said, “Dr L H Hiranandani was a man respected and loved for his contributions in the field of healthcare, education, social work and human rights. His compassion for poor was evident with his relentless efforts in addressing their basic needs. The Dr L H Hiranandani Oration is a token of gratitude and recognition for contributions made by doctors on grounds of humanity and compassion.” 

 

Dr Suresh Advani is a renowned oncologist in India and has over 650 publications to his credits. He has long been involved with medical oncology / hematology with strong interaction with clinical branches and basic scientists.

 On winning the award, Dr Suresh Advani said, “ It always feels very humble to receive such a great honor in the name of a great person like Dr. L H Hiranandani. I had the privilege  of working with him. It is his love and respect that he showed to everyone  around him that really impressed me. And it is with this humbleness I accept this honour and I will try to work In his shoes. He would see all his patients with great respect be it small patients, poor or rich. I hope I can follow his path and follow his steps in the service of humanity”.

 

Elaborating on the initiative, CEO of Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Dr Sujit Chatterjee said, “Many medical experts in their individual capacities have contributed significantly towards building a noble cause of securing health and offering innovation to encourage basic healthcare requirements. We are proud to present this award to Dr Suresh Advani who epitomizes the intent and purpose of this recognition.”

The selection committee included members namely, Smt. Pratibha Patil who was the Chairman of the Award Committee,  Shri Niranjan Hiranandani, Padma Shri Dr Rustom Soonawala, Dr Nischal Israni and Padma Vibhushan Dr B K Goyal.