Health Champion
Amal survived a tragic vehicle accident during a college trip, and was left with complete paralysis of the lower limbs and partial paralysis of the upper limbs as a result. After struggling with depression and being bed-bound, Amal is slowly learning to live life again as a productive and happy person. Meet our Health Champion, Amal Krishna!
Tanya is a young person that decided to pioneer youth mental health awareness during the pandemic from her bedroom by founding a youth-led peer community Championing Youth Minds. She has lived with depression and anxiety from a young age after developing long-term disabilities, Fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She has experienced suicidal crisis and loss herself which has meant she is passionate about suicide prevention, particularly for young people. Navigating mental health support as a young female in the South Asian community has especially been a challenge due to the stigma and superstitions attached to mental health, therefore she advocates for mental health education and suicide prevention to recognise the intersectionality of identities and cultural factors.
Living with chronic kidney disease and an absent urinary bladder, Aboli overcomes her physical health challenges with a smile. She is a singer, a wheelchair-bound model, and an influencer. Meet our Health Champion, Aboli Jarit!
Dinesh, a 66-year-old model and actor, faced mental and physical health challenges for years. However, with resilience and familial support, he turned his life around and now thrives as a fit professional model and actor in his 60s. His inspiring journey highlights the power of determination and self-care. Meet our Health Champion, Dinesh Mohan!
Avnish Tiwari, born with Down syndrome and multiple health complications, including a congenital heart defect, thyroid dysfunction, and cognitive delays, continues to live life with great determination. With the guidance of his father, Aditya, he has become a true inspiration for everyone who comes across his journey which highlights the importance of managing complex health conditions with resilience. Meet our Health Champion, Avnish Tiwari!
Tavanpal works in the journalism industry and lives independently in a metro city. He has managed to adapt to life with a chronic condition: cerebral palsy. Overcoming physical challenges and social stigma, today he is a source of inspiration to everyone around him. Meet our Health Champion, Tavanpal Singh!
Mr. Bakhshy, 83, has been a dedicated caregiver to his daughter, who has paranoid schizophrenia, for over two decades. A former President of the Schizophrenia Association of India, he remains a fighter for his daughter and the cause. Meet our Health Champion, Amrit Kumar Bakhshy!
Jaikishaan Sharma, once wheelchair-bound due to a spinal injury and battling depression, defied all odds. With support from his family and his own resilience, he overcame suicidal thoughts, regained the ability to walk, and now inspires others as a mindset coach. His journey is a testament to strength and determination. Meet our Health Champion, Jaikishaan Sharma!
Prachi, a breast cancer survivor, overcame immense physical and emotional challenges in her fight against cancer. Diagnosed in 2021, she underwent a double mastectomy and grueling treatments while managing health obstacles. Drawing strength from her marathon training, she eventually ought the battle. She now runs her own craft business, living a fulfilling life as a chef, entrepreneur and athlete. Meet our Health Champion, Prachi Kulkarni!
Sandy Khanda survived a tragic bus accident which turned his life around, as he spent months in the ICU, and heard the doctors give up all hopes of recovery. With immense self-motivation, he regained his strength and overcame the injuries. Finding his purpose lying on the ICU bed, he decided to start the Green Pencil Foundation, an NGO focused on education and environmental awareness. Now a young social and climate activist, he serves rural communities across India. Meet our Health Champion, Sandy Khanda!
Shilpa Mehta Jain, a 45-year-old woman born with polio, leads a successful career and a fulfilling life. Despite childhood challenges and societal judgment, she achieved her goal of making her parents proud. Now, she works with her family to empower rural communities through waste management programs, women’s initiatives, and skill development. Meet our Health Champion, Shilpa Mehta Jain!
Kiran, a 63-year-old woman with Parkinson's, selflessly cooks multiple kilos of khichdi every day and feeds patients in government hospitals. Despite her condition, she demonstrates incredible compassion and resilience, turning her personal challenges into a mission of kindness. Meet our Health Champion, Kiran Kamdar!
Ten months after being diagnosed with blood cancer in 2017, Girish Gowda was back in the boxing ring to win a gold medal at the Wako India Kickboxing Federation Championship in Delhi, India. Watch his story of resilience here.
Sanjay, a young runner from Bengaluru who is a regular face at marathons held in the city. Sanjay is one of the many kids born to HIV-positive parents. He clings to his brimming positivity and says that HIV has no room in his life.
When Happiest Health met Deepak Vikram in 2023, he was bound to a wheelchair. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. It is marked by rapid loss of upper and lower body movement. However, Deepak has shown remarkable progress, defying all odds. He can now walk, ride a bike and is regular at the gym. Watch his latest interview to see how he worked to achieve this.