- National Doctors’ Day campaign celebrates the life-saving role of doctors through stories of resilience and recovery
- Indian T20I captain Shreyas Iyer recounts his remarkable comeback after surviving a life-threatening injury
- Sun Pharma’s award-winning #SecondBirthDate movement inspires millions to thank the doctors who changed their lives forever
- Digital film, celebrity participation and nationwide outreach reinforce the message that every recovery deserves gratitude
NE HEALTH BUREAU
MUMBAI, JULY 1
Reinforcing the profound impact doctors have on countless lives, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sun Pharma), India’s No. 1 pharmaceutical company, has unveiled the latest edition of its award-winning National Doctors’ Day initiative, #SecondBirthDate, with Indian T20I cricket captain Shreyas Iyer fronting the 2026 campaign.
Built on the powerful belief that doctors do much more than cure illnesses—they often give people an entirely new lease on life—the campaign celebrates extraordinary stories of resilience, recovery and gratitude while recognising healthcare professionals who make those journeys possible.
This year’s campaign centres on Shreyas Iyer’s own dramatic recovery after suffering a life-threatening injury during a match against Australia in Sydney in 2025. Following a severe fall that caused a ruptured spleen and internal bleeding, the cricketer underwent critical medical care in India, where doctors successfully stabilised him and guided his remarkable return to health and professional cricket.
Reflecting on the defining chapter of his life, Shreyas Iyer said: “An injury can make you realise how quickly life can change. I’m deeply grateful to the doctors and medical teams who helped me return to health, strength and the sport I love. They stood by me during one of the most challenging phases of my life. Dedicating my second birth date to healthcare professionals is my tribute to the people who made my comeback possible.”
The campaign film chronicles his inspiring recovery while highlighting the dedication, expertise and compassion of doctors who stand behind every successful comeback.
Speaking about the initiative, Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director, Sun Pharma, said: “Most of us have experienced moments when a doctor’s presence made all the difference – by bringing hope, reassurance and healing when it was needed most. #SecondBirthDate is our way of honouring doctors for the incredible role they play in standing by people through some of the toughest moments of their lives. Through Shreyas’s story, we want to highlight the invaluable role doctors play in our lives and thank them for making countless second chances possible.”
Over the years, #SecondBirthDate has evolved into one of India’s most meaningful healthcare appreciation campaigns, featuring inspiring stories of individuals from diverse walks of life, including cricketer Rishabh Pant, actors Sushmita Sen and Mahima Chaudhry, and Paralympic javelin champion Sumit Antil, each acknowledging the doctors who transformed their lives.
The 2026 campaign is being amplified through a high-impact digital film, extensive social media engagement, outdoor branding and print outreach. It also features recovery stories from celebrities and influencers, including renowned choreographer and filmmaker Remo D’Souza, further strengthening the nationwide movement to celebrate medical professionals.
On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, Sun Pharma has also invited citizens to express their gratitude by creating and sending personalised digital “Thank You” cards to the doctors who made a difference in their lives through the #SecondBirthDate platform.
Watch Shreyas Iyer’s inspiring recovery story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF-bd4HoQwg
