UN-Endorsed Awards Announce Cancer Fellowships Amid Urgent Human and Planetary Health Crises
The UN-endorsed Restore Awards in Mumbai celebrates leaders fighting for human and planetary health, including new cancer fellowships.
In a significant move to address escalating global health challenges, the 7th Edition of The Restore Awards® has officially announced new cancer fellowships. The ceremony, held at the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, highlighted the critical intersection between environmental stability and human well-being, marking a pivotal moment for those fighting on the frontlines of wellness and ecological restoration.
A Global Platform for Human and Planetary Wellness
Endorsed by the United Nations, The Restore Awards® serves as a prestigious platform dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations working to restore the balance between human health and the planet's ecosystems. The organization emphasized that the degradation of the environment and the rise of lifestyle-related diseases are deeply interconnected.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rachna Chhachhi, MD of Kindness, underscored this vital connection: “The Earth is what we all have in common. Recognizing that our mental and physical health is connected to the health of the planet is the core focus of this platform. A ruined planet won’t sustain our lives in good health.”
Merit-Driven Recognition and Selectivity
Established in 2019 by the Kindness Practice Foundation, a registered non-profit, the awards operate on a strict merit-first ethos. To ensure that grassroots changemakers are evaluated solely on their real-world impact rather than their financial resources, the awards charge no registration fees. This year's edition saw intense competition and extreme selectivity:
- Total Global Nominations: Over 900
- Shortlisted Entries: 102 (selected by a jury of senior doctors and corporate leaders)
- Final Winners: 15
Holistic Support for Students and Mental Health
The 7th Edition was presented by Avanse Financial Services, an education-focused NBFC. The partnership between Avanse and the Kindness Practice Foundation aims to expand the definition of student support. Beyond financing tuition and accommodation, the initiative focuses on the psychological resilience needed to combat academic burnout, isolation, and culture shock in international settings.
Amit Gainda, MD of Avanse Financial Services, noted that the goal is to invest in human potential by empowering students with the emotional tools required to succeed in high-pressure environments.
Honoring Excellence in Mental Health Advocacy
A standout moment of the ceremony was the presentation of the "Kindness Ambassador" honor to celebrated television actress Shweta Kawatra. Known for her roles in popular shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and C.I.D., Kawatra was recognized for her impactful work and advocacy in the realm of women's mental health.
The event also saw support from key partners, including Earth Partner Racold and Gifts Partner Britannia NutriChoice, reinforcing the collective mission to promote sustainability and healthy lifestyle choices globally.