Organisation for Rare Diseases India (ORDI) marked key achievements in rare disease community at Rare Star Awards 2026 in Bengaluru, Saturday . Event celebrated efforts of patients,caregivers,health professionals,researchers,advocacy groups working to improve lives touched by rare diseases.
Prasanna Shirol,ORDI's co-founder,stressed honoring those who've changed lives of rare disease patients and families. Awards showcase grit and determination of everyone in this tough field.
This year's ceremony drew mix — patients,families,medical professionals,researchers,policymakers,industry reps from across India . Awardees included Vishaka B,Balajepalli Kavya Poornima,Ruchi Pratap, seen as role models living with rare diseases across age groups .
Other honorees: Kalamma, caregiver award; Vykuntaraju K.N., excellence in medical care. Anshu Kapoor's volunteer work recognized, Dr. Sheetal Ramesh Mhamunkar for her research. Seba P.A . named advocacy leader,ALS Care and Support Foundation for patient advocacy. Nadir Aman as genetic counselor, Peptris in health innovation start-up,Pharmed as CSR Partner Rare Award.
Jury picked winners from nationwide nominations, looking at personal achievements,resilience,contributions to awareness and innovation in rare disease community. Event also spotlighted struggles of about 70 million Indians with rare diseases: delayed diagnoses,limited treatment access,high costs. Calls for better policy and healthcare support echoed through the hall…
