New Delhi, November 23, 2023.
Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Arjuna Awardee, India’s First Woman Paralympic Medalist and President of the Paralympic Committee of India, Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik is the also the national ambassador of the TB Mukt Bharat campaign and a Ni-kshay Mitra herself. “Every citizen should pledge to become Ni-kshay Mitra to at least one TB patient to accelerate our journey in becoming a TB free nation.” This was stated by Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik as she visited the Ayushman Bhav Health Pavilion at the 42nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) today. The theme of this year’s pavilion of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, United by Trade”, while the theme of the Health Pavilion is “Ayushman Bhav”.
Addressing the gathering, she reiterated Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of achieving a TB free India by 2025. Underscoring “health is the ultimate wealth”, she urged participation in the Jan Aandolan movement for contributing in building momentum to ensure India becomes free of TB by 2025. She also highlighted and impact of becoming a Ni-kshay Mitra. Elaborating on her support for the TB Mukt Bharat campaign Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik further added “I had become a Ni-kshay Mitra to 10 TB patients this year, all of who are now doing well and cured of TB.”
She also recounted her story of becoming a TB survivor, emphasizing that while the treatment is physical, the first step of recovery commences with mental well-being, focusing on maintaining a positive mindset and rising above the stigma surrounding this condition. She further added that with the right guidance, nutrition and care, it is entirely possible to overcome this condition.