Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Dinesh Chandra Goswami Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Palliative Care in Northeast India
Dr. Dinesh Chandra Goswami was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation at the News18 North East Healthcare Summit 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to palliative care in Assam and the Northeast region. The honour, conferred in association with the Lions Club of Guwahati, recognises his longstanding commitment to improving the quality of life of individuals living with life-limiting illnesses.
Dr. Goswami, CEO and Secretary of the Guwahati Pain and Palliative Care Society, also serves as a palliative care consultant at Sacred Heart Palliative Care Centre and Nightingale Hospital. A trailblazer in the field of palliative care in the Northeast, he has been instrumental in expanding access to services across the region. His pioneering efforts include establishing the Guwahati Pain and Palliative Care Society and extending care to patients in rural and remote areas. His work in improving the availability of morphine and other essential narcotic drugs has been particularly significant, helping alleviate pain and suffering for countless patients.
Dr. Goswami previously served as the Honorary Secretary of the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), and continues to contribute as a National Faculty member. Under his leadership, the Guwahati Pain and Palliative Care Society became the first course centre in Assam to offer IAPC’s Certificate Course in Palliative Care when it was launched in 2007, playing a key role in training doctors and nurses in the discipline.
His collaborations with government health institutions and volunteer organisations have significantly strengthened the reach and acceptance of palliative care across the Northeastern states. In addition, he has actively led community awareness initiatives, enabling families and caregivers to better understand pain management and home-based palliative care. His sustained advocacy has also contributed to advancing discussions on integrating palliative medicine into public health policy frameworks.
The News18 North East Healthcare Summit, held on 24th March, 2026, in Guwahati, brought together healthcare experts, policymakers, and social leaders to highlight achievements in public health, innovation, and service delivery. Recognising Dr. Goswami at this platform marks an important acknowledgment of the growing importance of palliative care in holistic healthcare delivery in Northeast region.
The Indian Association of Palliative Care extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Dinesh Chandra Goswami on this well-deserved recognition and applauds his pioneering contributions to advancing palliative care in the Northeast region of India.
Dr. Vanumu Divya Sai Awarded NBEMS President’s Gold Medal in Palliative Medicine
Dr. Vanumu Divya Sai from the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine at the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Institute and Research Centre has been awarded the NBEMS President’s Gold Medal in Palliative Medicine. Her achievement marks a proud moment for the palliative care fraternity across India, reflecting the collective efforts of professionals dedicated to advancing the field.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Divya Sai shared, “I am deeply honoured to receive the NBEMS President’s Gold Medal in Palliative Medicine. This recognition feels less like an individual achievement and more like a reflection of the people and individuals needing care, who have shaped me along the way.”
Reflecting on her journey, she added, “My journey into palliative care began with a personal loss during my medical training, when I witnessed suffering that medicine could not cure, but could have comforted. I did not have the language for it then—but today, I know that what was missing was palliative care.”
She expressed her deep gratitude to her mentors, Dr Praneeth Suvvari and Dr K. Praveen Kumar, for shaping her clinical approach and compassion. She also acknowledged the Medical Oncology team and the institute (BIACIRC) for fostering a culture of collaborative, holistic care. Dr. Divya Sai further shared that she draws inspiration from Gayatri Palat, whose work continues to guide her path in the field.
Speaking about her future goals, she noted, “I hope to continue contributing to palliative care through patient care, education, and advocacy, so that no one feels alone in their most vulnerable moments.”
The Indian Association of Palliative Care extends its warmest congratulations and appreciation to Dr. Vanumu Divya Sai on this outstanding achievement and wishes her continued success.
Dr. Gayatri Palat to Receive Yudhvir Memorial Award for Palliative Care
Dr. Gayatri Palat will be honoured with the 33rd Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to palliative care and her unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering. The prestigious award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lakh.
The award ceremony will be held on 30th April, 2026 at the KLN Prasad Auditorium, FTCCI, Red Hills.
Dr. Gayatri Palat has been instrumental in establishing the Department of Palliative Medicine at the Mehdi Nawaz Jung Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre (MNJIO& RCC), Hyderabad. She is a founding member of the Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society, Hyderabad and serves as a Consultant with the Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration. She also played a key role in initiating paediatric palliative care services at Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad.
Her sustained contributions to advancing paediatric palliative care, along with her advocacy and training efforts under the National Programme for Palliative Care, have played a pivotal role in establishing palliative care services across government health facilities in Telangana and expanding these services to all 33 districts between 2017 and 2022.
The Yudhvir Foundation, established in 1991 in memory of the renowned journalist and social worker Yudhvir, annually recognises outstanding contributions in public service, culture, and other fields through this award presented on April 30.
Congratulations to Dr. Gayatri Palat on this well-deserved recognition. The Indian Association of Palliative Care applauds her exemplary contributions and continued dedication to advancing palliative care in India.