Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group honours 'Saksham Yodhas' breaking barriers and inspiring change

New Delhi, 25th August 2026: The Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), in collaboration with Thalassemics India, honoured individuals who have turned the challenges of living with thalassemia into stories of determination, achievement and purpose at the 3rd Santosh & Arjun Dev Taneja Memorial Awards for Excellence and the 2nd edition of 'Empowering Thalassemia Warriors – Saksham Yodhas', held at New Delhi.

The event brought together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, corporate leaders, and members of the thalassemia community to celebrate inspiring journeys across education, healthcare, and other fields. The initiative highlighted a powerful message: thalassemia should never be a barrier to education, employment, leadership, or personal aspirations.

The event brought together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, corporate leaders and members of the thalassemia community to celebrate inspiring journeys across education, healthcare, and other fields. Mr Rajat Sharma, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, India TV, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and committed his support to spreading the message of thalassemia. The initiative highlighted a powerful message: thalassemia should never be a barrier to education, employment, leadership, or personal aspirations.

Among the awardees was Chitradeep Das, 27, who was diagnosed with E-beta thalassemia at the age of two and a half and has undergone regular blood transfusions since childhood. Despite the challenges, he has pursued higher education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Geography at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan. His journey reflects how sustained treatment, family support and determination can help individuals living with thalassemia pursue their aspirations.

Another awardee, Vasundhara Sharma, was diagnosed with thalassemia at just 11 months. A former Head Girl at Army Public School, Udhampur, she went on to pursue MBBS from Government Medical College, Jammu, while managing regular transfusions alongside the demanding schedule of medical education and clinical training. Inspired by her experiences, Vasundhara now aspires to pursue MD in Paediatrics and support children living with thalassemia.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Deepak Chopra, Founder President, Thalassemics India, said, "Our awardees demonstrate that a medical condition should never define a person's potential. Their journeys show what is possible when resilience is supported by quality healthcare, family support and equal opportunities. We must continue building an environment where people living with thalassemia are recognised for their abilities and given every opportunity to learn, work, lead and thrive without discrimination."

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Anubha Taneja-Mukherjee, Member Secretary, TPAG, said, "The SADT Awards are not only a tribute to my parents but also a befitting reply to anybody who thinks thalassemia patients should be kept away from mainstream jobs or policy making. These awards celebrate the capabilities, resilience and achievements of people living with thalassemia and reinforce the need to ensure that they have equal opportunities to participate, contribute and lead."

The event also provided a platform for patients, families, and stakeholders to exchange experiences and discuss the need for greater patient empowerment, workplace inclusion and stronger support systems. Through the Santosh & Arjun Dev Taneja Memorial Awards for Excellence and 'Saksham Yodhas', TPAG and Thalassemics India reaffirmed their commitment to promoting dignity, inclusion and equal opportunities for people living with thalassemia and ensuring that they have the support needed to realise their full potential.

User :- Sushmita Mishra

Email :-sushmitam@avianwe.com