Bhubaneswar: Fifty-four individuals and institutions, who have made outstanding contributions to the healthcare ecosystem, were recently felicitated at 7th edition of Times Health Icons – Odisha here.
From frontline doctors to institutions advancing clinical excellence, the awards recognised resilience, innovation, and service to humanity.
Addressing the awardees, Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati, who was the Chief Guest, said: “Your commitment to care, your skill, and your resilience have impacted countless lives and inspired trust across communities. You truly embody the noblest values of the medical profession.”
Former Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar Dr. Ashok Mohapatra, who was present on the dais, noted Odisha’s rise in national healthcare prominence: “Thirty years ago, students left Odisha to study medicine. Today, students from all over the country come here, thanks to institutions like AIIMS and others. Bhubaneswar has become a health hub,” said the Padma awardee.
Dean, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, Dr Prasant Raghab Mohapatra said: “This evening is not just a celebration—it is a tribute to those who turn pain into hope, science into miracles, and service into legacy.”
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg shared Odisha’s vision for the future as outlined in “Odisha Vision 2036 & 2047” on the occasion. “The Amrit Kaal vision for 2047 is especially meaningful for Odisha as it intersects with 2036—our state’s centenary. Our people’s roadmap, already launched by the Prime Minister, reflects these dual milestones and our ambitious goals for healthcare transformation,” she said.
The event was organised by The Times of India in association with Odisha Bytes, and Presented by Acrerise, Powered By Khimji Jewellers, and Driven By BYD Central.
In his welcome address, group editor, Odisha Bytes, Sandeep Mishra highlighted the selfless commitment of medical professionals. “Doctors are the lifelines of our community. Their untiring efforts, often made at great personal sacrifice, are a testament to the nobility of their profession,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, managing director of Khimji Jewellers Mitesh Khimji stated: “At Khimji, we believe in honouring those who uplift lives. Supporting Times Health Icons is our way of saluting the medical community’s resilience, compassion, and unwavering service to society. Their commitment mirrors our values of trust, care, and community-first thinking.”
Raj Prusty, COO of Acrerise, highlighted the importance given to wellbeing in their projects, “If you visit our office, you’ll see we have a gym—an indicator of how health-focused we are. For us, health also means the structural wellness of our buildings, where design maximizes luminosity and promotes vitamin D3 absorption,” he said.
Director, BYD Central, Sheenu Dhawan echoed the company’s alignment with holistic health: “It is a true honour to be part of Times Health Icons, celebrating the dedication of our healthcare fraternity. At BYD, we believe the wellbeing of society is rooted in ethics, sustainability, and a people-first approach. As part of BYD’s global mission to Cool the Earth by 1°C, we are committed to building a healthier and more conscious world.”
The evening also saw a performance by mentalist Narpath Raman, who captivated the audience with his mind-reading tricks, pushing guests to reflect on the unseen depths of the human mind.
The evening culminated with celebrated actress and humanitarian Raveena Tandon felicitating several awardees. She lauded their service, stating how their work not only enhances accessibility but also ensures quality healthcare for all. “It’s always a pleasure to come to my land of Jagannath Puri. Through my foundation and various NGOs, I strive to give back to society, which has given me so much—my identity, success, and purpose. I believe it’s my turn to serve and uplift,” she added.