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SBI Life & BCCI drive breast cancer awareness with ‘Thanks-a-dot’
MUMBAI: SBI Life Insurance, in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), took breast cancer awareness to the international stage with the ‘Thanks-a-dot’ initiative. As part of the campaign, the Indian Women’s cricket team donned distinctive pink jerseys featuring the ‘Thanks-a-dot’ logo during their ODI against Australia, using the unifying power of cricket to amplify the life-saving message of early detection and self-examination.
Ahead of the match, SBI Life leaders along with actress and breast cancer survivor Mahima Chaudhry presented the specially designed jerseys to team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates, symbolising solidarity and commitment to women’s health.
SBI Life, president & CDO, M. Anand said, “Thanks-a-dot is our heartfelt effort to empower women with awareness that can save lives. Partnering with BCCI and team India allows us to reach millions and inspire timely action on breast health.”
The initiative was integrated across multiple match touchpoints, from a reimagined dot ball counter tied to breast health kits for underprivileged women, to the pitch mat emblazoned with the TAD logo. Fans were engaged through symbolic gestures that reinforced the need for awareness and proactive self-checks.
Launched in 2019, ‘Thanks-a-dot’ has continually innovated to spread its message, including the “hug of life” hot water bag with 3D training lumps to encourage regular breast self-examinations.
By combining cricket’s reach with education, SBI Life’s ‘Thanks-a-dot’ continues to normalize conversations around breast cancer, reminding women that early detection can make all the difference. Staying true to its philosophy “Apne liye, apno ke liye,” the brand reaffirms its commitment to protection, awareness, and hope for families across India.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
