The Annual "Braveheart" Awards are part of an on-going effort by the Department of Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Asian Heart Institute, to encourage people with heart disease to live a heart-healthy life while living it to the fullest. The awards are being given to individuals who can serve as role models for others suffering from heart disease, especially in this country where most people seem to think that the first heart attack is the end of the road for them.

Held on 21st April 2007, the First Annual Braveheart Awards was a huge success with Dr. Ramakanta Panda, Dr. Sudhir Vaishnav and Dr. Tilak Suvarna felicitating the bravehearts with customized trophies & certificates. The function, which was a source of inspiration for all those who have had a number of things go wrong with them, but have weathered the storm to emerge winners, was organized by Dr. Aashish Contractor and his team.

The Second Annual "Braveheart" Awards were held on 5th July'09 to recognize the endeavours of the "bravehearts" who, against all odds, work towards achieving good health and staying active. It helps send out the message that chronic disease doesn't mean the end of life, and these people are setting an example every day for those battling heart disease.

The Third Annual "Braveheart" Awards were held on the 29th Aug'09 (Sat), the award function was attended by Shri Dinesh Trivedi – Hon'ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare who was the Chief Guest.

The award ceremony is attended each year by a group of around 150-200 people consisting of patients & their families. Every year these patients, who have undergone a cardiac procedure, join the rehab dept. At the award function these patients are felicitated under different categories for e.g.: Superman of the year (for patients who have shown drastic improvement). Non smoker (for patients who have quit smoking), joggers club (for patients completing the maximum number of laps), so on & so forth.

It is heart rendering to see the zest of these people who at one point of time were battling for life. Every year the fun filled award function is growing in popularity.

The fourth season of the awards were held on the 25th September, 2010 & the Chief Guest for the same was Shri Rajeev Shukla, MP.

Click here for pics of the braveheart award function 09