Lakhipuronline Digital Desk: In a momentous occasion that has filled the hearts of the Barak Valley residents in Assam with immense pride, Dr. Ravi Kannan has been unveiled as the esteemed recipient of the ‘Hero For Holistic Healthcare’ award on the 65th anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation. The accolade marks a remarkable achievement for the entire region, as Dr. Kannan stands as the sole Indian awardee in this edition, a testament to his extraordinary contributions to healthcare not only in India but also across borders.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, renowned as the highest honor in Asia, is dedicated to recognizing individuals and entities that have instigated remarkable advancements in human progress. Dr. Ravi Kannan’s unwavering commitment to holistic healthcare, particularly within the challenging realm of cancer care, has rightfully earned him this prestigious award.
At the heart of the accolade lies Dr. Kannan’s pioneering efforts in revolutionizing cancer care within India’s North Eastern Region (NER). This area, marked by its geographical remoteness and limited medical access, grappled with substantial obstacles in the fight against cancer—a malady characterized by high mortality rates and profound emotional and financial implications for patients and their families.
While the first cancer hospital in the region was established in 1981, it was the inception of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in 1996 by a non-profit organization that initiated a transformative change. Dr. Ravi Kannan’s visionary leadership propelled CCHRC from its humble beginnings to a comprehensive cancer care institution. Taking over as hospital director in 2007, Dr. Kannan introduced innovative strategies and a compassionate vision that dramatically enhanced the hospital’s capabilities.
In a remarkable display of dedication, Dr. Kannan left a prestigious position at a renowned cancer institute in Chennai in 2007 to join the fledgling cancer center located in a remote corner of the country. Under his dynamic guidance, the hospital expanded its horizons, evolving into a comprehensive cancer care hub catering to approximately 20,000 patients on an annual basis.
This year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award ceremony will also honor three other recipients who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation, peacebuilding, and education. The list includes environmental activist and singer-songwriter Eugenio Lemos from Timor-Leste, peacebuilder Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for her role in negotiating a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and educator Korvi Rakshand from Bangladesh, who empowers underprivileged youth through free education.
Scheduled for November 11 in Manila, the award ceremony promises to be a remarkable celebration of outstanding individuals who have left an indelible mark on various facets of human progress.