(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Mumbai’s JW Marriott Sahar lit up the night on September 24 for the sixth edition of The Restore Awards, a vibrant celebration of kindness, mental health, inclusion, and sustainability. Backed by the United Nations’ UNAIDS, the event spotlighted real change-makers, from people in wheelchairs strutting a fashion show to neurodiverse individuals walking the runway and transgender activists judging the winners.
Bollywood director Imtiaz Ali, singer Khatija Rahman, Tourism Finance Corporation Chairman S. Ravi, and BusinessWorld Group Chairman Dr. Anurag Batra joined the crowd. Medical stars like senior oncologist Dr. Bharat Bhosale, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jawahar Panjwani, and Indian cricket team’s physiotherapist Dr. Ali Irani also attended, honoring everyday heroes tackling health challenges.
Sachin Mylavarapu, general manager of JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, shared why the hotel hosted the event for the second straight year: “It shows our dedication to mindful hospitality and sparking meaningful talks in our city, the Gateway of India.” The awards come from the Kindness Practice Foundation, an NGO started by Dr. Rachna Chhachhi, a therapist focused on cancer, nutrition, and mental health. For six years, the foundation has recognized people and groups boosting mental well-being, diversity, and eco-friendly practices—without any entry fees.
Partners stepped up too: Right Shift from ITC as nutrition sponsor, Organic India from Tata Consumer for gifts, and The Honest Blend for drinks. On stage, Dr. Chhachhi drove the message home: “Kindness isn’t just a nice trait—it’s a bold choice that boosts our mental health and creates real change.” The event runs on donations from companies and supporters, funding projects on mental health awareness, inclusion initiatives, and sustainability efforts.
TV actress Shweta Kawatra, a kindness ambassador for the foundation, opened up about her own fight with postpartum depression: “I’m proud to back The Restore Awards and salute these well-being warriors for empowering others.” Tata Power’s CHRO and sustainability head, Himal Tiwari, highlighted their partnership on autism support: “Through Pay Autention and E-Sanidhya, we’re building an inclusive world with early help and care for neurodiverse people. Tata Power thanks the Kindness Practice Foundation and looks forward to autism awareness drives in Mumbai and Bangalore.”
This year’s winners made waves in human and planetary health amid growing challenges like environmental decline and health crises. They include:
– Mitti Cafe, run by people with disabilities for job training and community meals.
– Yash Charitable Trust, offering skills and employment for neurodiverse folks.
– Dr. Karishma Kirti, a breast cancer surgeon raising early detection awareness.
– Aaroha Music Therapy, easing pain, stress, and sleep issues for cancer patients through tunes.
– GoodKarma Farms, promoting regenerative farming for sustainable food.
– N.S. Naveen, a lupus survivor spreading tips on mobility and movement.
– Pawdopt, a shelter rescuing and rehabbing animals.
– Millet Tribe by Sonia Luthra, highlighting ancient grains for healthy eating.
– Thepla House by Tejal, delivering veggie home-cooked meals across Mumbai.
– Tata Power, for their autism impact via Pay Autention.
– Imaara Foundation, aiding survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
– Sisters Living Works, fighting suicide with prevention support.
These stories show how small acts of kindness ripple out to build a healthier world. Learn more at therestoreawards.com.
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