Awards and Recognitions

Ms Humairath Kadappurathaba awarded the ‘Caregiver Award 2023’ on 15th August, 2023, by the NHM, UT of Lakshadweep, GoI

We are delighted to share that Ms Humairath Kadappurathaba, an anganwadi teacher for 44 years, and a caregiver in the Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep, is the recipient of this year’s prestigious ‘Caregiver Award 2023’, presented by the National Program for Palliative Care, National Health Mission (NHM), Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep, Government of India (GoI).

Ms Kadappurathaba is the first woman to receive this distinguished award from Shri Sandeep Kumar (IAS, Principal Secretary and Advisor to Honourable Administrator, UT of Lakshadweep, Government of India) during the 2023 Independence Day Celebrations at the Stadium Ground, Karavatti, UT of Lakshadweep.

The award was presented to Ms Kadappurathaba for her outstanding and exemplary service to the bed bound beloved ones. It recognises those caregivers who tirelessly look after their beloved ones beyond one’s own capacity and for acting as a voice of voiceless and also as a bridge between the doctor, the nurse and the patient and their caregiver.

When we reached out to Ms Kadappurathaba for her comments, she shared, “This award or recognition is not for me. It is only something which appreciates my care towards my mother. I am privileged to be looking after my mother and that is beyond any honour or recognition.”

Congratulations, Ms Humairath Kadappurathaba! We wish you the best and also thank you for all that you are doing.


Ms Vandana Mahajan felicitated by Smt Droupadi Murmu, the Hon. President of India, for being an ‘Asmita Icon’ on 21st August, 2023

We are thrilled to share that Ms Vandana Mahajan (Cancer care and Palliative care counsellor) has been felicitated by Smt Droupadi Murmu, the Honourable President of India, on Monday, 21st August, 2023, at an event held at Zorawar Auditorium, Manekshaw Center, Delhi Cantt, New Delhi.

While Smt Droupadi Murmu, the Honourable President of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr Sudesh Dhankar (Wife of Honourable of Vice President of India), and Ms Meenakshi Lekhi (Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India) graced the event as Guests of Honour. 

The felicitation was instituted by the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) as part of their Asmita Icon – Season 2, which provides a platform for army wives who have been an inspiration and are contributing to the society having overcome their challenges to share their inspirational stories.

An elated Ms Mahajan shares, “Thank you AWWA for this honour and privilege to be recognised as a cancer survivor and as an advocate for palliative care. Being wedded to the olive Green is a privilege and the recognition given today only reinforces my pride in being an Army Wife. I am humbled and extend my special thanks to Dr Archana Pande (President, AWWA) for the opportunity and for the platform Asmita Icon which allows us to share our stories and help in making a positive impact on others”.

Congratulations Ms Vandana Mahajan! We wish you continued growth.


Mrs Harmala Gupta felicitated and presents the ‘Dr Ushalakshmi Oration’ at ABSICON 2023, on 29th July, 2023

We are excited to share that Ms Harmala Gupta (Founder and President, CanSupport) was invited as a special guest and to deliver the prestigious ‘Dr Ushalakshmi Oration’ at the 11th Annual conference of the the Association of Breast Surgeons of India 2023 (ABISCON) organised at Hotel Narayani Heights, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, between Friday, 28th July, 2023, and Sunday, 30th July, 2023.

Ms Harmala Gupta delivered her presentation ‘My Cancer Journey: From Fear to Fortitude’, on Saturday, 29th July, 2023, which encapsulated her Journey of Cancer Survivorship and her contributions to the fields of Advocacy, Supportive Care and Awareness.

Post the talk, Ms Harmala Gupta was felicitated in recognition of her outstanding and significant contributions to the fields of cancer survivorship, advocacy, and awareness.

Conference delegates included General Surgeons, Surgical Oncologists, and Plastic Surgeons who treat patients with breast diseases. The Association (ABISCON) provides a forum for the exchange of ideas by promoting education and research in collaboration with similar associations across the world.

Congratulations, Ms Harmala Gupta! We wish you further laurels.


Mr Kishore Rao felicitated by Goonj on 26th July, 2023

It is with happiness we share that Mr Kishore Rao (Chairman, Bangalore Hospice Trust – Karunashraya) was felicitated by Goonj on Wednesday, 26th July, 2023, at Karunashraya, Bengaluru.

Mr Rao was felicitated for being a guiding light in the field of palliative care and for his extraordinary contribution towards compassionate care, support, and comfort to individuals and families facing life limiting illness. The recognition also acknowledges Mr Rao’s selfless efforts which have brought comfort and dignity to those facing life’s most difficult moments.

The felicitation is a part of Goonj’s initiative to applaud people across India for their dedication and quiet service towards improving society, and to showcase their stories to inspire more people to commit time and efforts for society’s good.

On this occasion, Mr Rao shares, “I was pleasantly surprised at being recognised by Goonj for the completely free work my organisation and I do for the sick, the poor and the dying. Starting almost twenty nine years ago, we care for, and look after, very advanced, almost terminal, cancer patients and their families. Whoever comes to us is rendered loving care irrespective of their caste, gender, religious belief or economic status. Our aim, simply stated, is to give love and care so that the inevitable end comes with peace and dignity. No wonder, then, that Goonj found some similarity in their work and ours – we both give dignity and strength to the poor. Thank you for your recognition and award.”

Over the years, Mr Rao has also been the recipient of the ‘Life Time Achievement’ Award presented by the Namma Bengaluru Foundation, the VCare Foundation of Mumbai, and collected the Rajyotsava Award on behalf of Karunashraya.

Congratulations, Mr Kishore Rao! Keep inspiring us.