Hepatitis B Awareness Programme: Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai Highlights Stigma And Support At ILBS Event

The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) organized a Hepatitis B awareness campaign that featured prominent personalities, including Bharat Express News Network Chairman Upendrra Rai and film producer Boney Kapoor. The program began with an address by ILBS Director Dr SK Sarin. Dr Dilip Kumar, Dr Vandana Bagga, and others also attended.

Awareness on Hepatitis B

Dr SK Sarin stressed the seriousness of Hepatitis B, calling it a fatal disease that requires immediate attention. He highlighted concerning figures: around 3 crore Indians suffer from the disease, yet only 13% are aware of their condition, and just 3% receive treatment. The annual death toll from Hepatitis-B exceeds that of TB and malaria and is continuously rising.

Dr Sarin urged against discrimination, explaining that patients often face stigma both at home and work. He emphasized, “It’s not their fault; they got it genetically.” He reminded attendees that medicines for Hepatitis-B are free in all Delhi hospitals. Dr Sarin also led an oath-taking ceremony where participants pledged to spread awareness, support campaigns, and avoid discrimination while maintaining healthy dietary habits for liver care.

Rai Praises Boney Kapoor’s Contributions

Upendrra Rai, addressing the gathering, shifted the focus to Boney Kapoor. He spoke about Kapoor’s association with the Sahara Group, where he managed Sahara’s entertainment ventures, including Sahara Motion Pictures and Sahara One. Rai described Kapoor as the ‘real hero’ of films, commending him for risking his resources to ensure movie success. He noted how Kapoor’s films, such as Mr. India, remain iconic, recalling the famous dialogue, “Mogambo is happy.

Rai Expresses Gratitude to Dr. Sarin for Treating His Mother

Upendrra Rai shared how Dr. Sarin saved his mother’s life. In 2011, when his mother was critically ill, former Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora introduced him to Dr. Sarin. At that time, ILBS had just started its operations.

“I brought my mother here in a very bad condition. Dr Sarin treated her and sent her back completely healthy. She remained well for a long time,” Rai said. His mother passed away in 2016, but Dr Sarin treated her once more before her passing, ensuring she recovered from the illness.

Emotional Bond with ILBS

Rai expressed his emotional attachment to ILBS. “When other doctors failed to diagnose her condition, Dr Sarin gave us precious years with her. She didn’t die of the disease she was                        suffering from,” he said. Rai added that his mother ultimately died of a heart attack, not the undiagnosed illness.Rai credited Dr. Sarin and ILBS for their efforts, which gave his family more            time with his mother.

A Life of Giving and Simplicity

Rai shared personal anecdotes, highlighting Kapoor’s selflessness and simplicity. “He doesn’t show off his help,” Rai said, emphasizing Kapoor’s habit of covering his expenses for events. Unlike many celebrities, Kapoor never demands special treatment or fees. Rai added that Kapoor’s values resonate throughout his family, who share his dedication to helping others.

The campaign concluded with renewed pledges to fight stigma, raise awareness, and support those battling Hepatitis-B.

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