India's most-renowned homeopath receives Padma Shri award

Dr. Mukesh Batra, India's most-renowned homeopath, was conferred with the Padma Shri today, the country's fourth highest civilian award, by the President, Smt. Pratibha Patel for his exceptional and distinguished service in the field of medicine. The award has been bestowed to honour Dr Batra's contribution over the last four decades that has transformed homeopathy, standardized its treatment, used modern science, technology and measured treatment outcomes, to reach more people.

Ecstatic about the honour bestowed on him, Dr Mukesh Batra said, "I am deeply humbled by the fact that the government has recognized my efforts in the field of medicine and homeopathy.  I am grateful for the support that I have received in the mission from my colleagues in the medical profession, fellow homeopaths, my patients, my staff and my family."

Dr Mukesh Batra first began his medical practice from a modest, single clinic in Mumbai in 1982. Today, Dr Batra's Positive Health Clinics, the company founded by Dr Batra, is the world's largest homeopathic healthcare corporate, with a network of 89 clinics, spread across 34 cities in India, Dubai and UK. The company in India is ISO 9001:2008 certified from the American Quality Assessors (AQA).

Dr Batra's is a recipient of a host of awards and honours. It has been recognized as one of the leading companies in 'Health & Wellness' sector in 'Best Of India', an international business atlas, to be published in 2012. It has achieved the title of 'Power Brand 2011' by Planman Marcom. Dr Batra's was recently awarded with 'Health and Beauty Retailer of the Year 2011' by Star Retailer Awards. It also received the 'Healthcare and Beauty Business of the Year 2011' award by Franchise India. Dr Batra's was honoured with 'Retailer of the Year' award in the specialized category of 'Beauty, Wellness & Fitness' at the Asia Retail Congress, 2009.

Through his newspaper/magazine writings, books and television programmes, Dr Batra has created awareness for homeopathy. He was instrumental in legalizing homeopathy in Mauritius.  Dr. Batra's clinic in Dubai Healthcare City, the only homeopathic centre there, was the recipient of the Best Newcomer Facility Provider 2009, for excellence in informatics, data submission and compliance of requirements, by the Department of Health Informatics, UAE.  Dr Batra also established the first and the only homeopathic clinic on Harley Street, London, which is the Mecca of modern medicine.

A profound proponent in the joy of giving, Dr Batra has set up the Positive Health Foundation, which provides free homeopathic treatment to over 20,000 patients, through clinics across 34 cities.  He also extends homeopathic care to animal welfare shelters, orphanages and old age homes.  He has used his personal interests, like photography and singing, to hold exhibitions and concerts to raise funds for charitable causes. He also introduced the Positive Health Annual Awards six years ago, which is now sponsored by Bajaj Discover, to recognise and honour specially-abled individuals who have overcome disease and disability to lead meaningful lives. Stars like Vidya Balan, Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Abhay Deol and Anil Kumble among others, have not only graced the awards with their presence, but have also extended their support to the cause.