Mumbai: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sun Pharma) has launched the latest edition of its flagship National Doctors’ Day initiative, #SecondBirthDate, with Indian T20I cricket captain Shreyas Iyer joining the campaign to recognise doctors and healthcare professionals who help patients reclaim their lives, health, and aspirations.
Built around the belief that doctors often do much more than treat illness and, in many cases, give individuals a second chance at life, the campaign continues to celebrate stories of resilience, recovery, and gratitude.
This year’s campaign highlights Shreyas Iyer’s personal recovery journey following a life-threatening injury during a match against Australia in Sydney in 2025. After suffering a fall that resulted in a broken spleen and internal bleeding, Iyer underwent critical medical care and treatment in India, eventually returning to health and professional cricket.
Through the campaign film, Sun Pharma seeks to spotlight the often unseen role doctors play during moments of crisis and recovery.
Reflecting on his experience, 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.”
Commenting on 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 featured recovery stories from personalities across fields, including cricketer Rishabh Pant, actors Sushmita Sen and Mahima Chaudhry, and Paralympic javelin player Sumit Antil.
The 2026 edition will be amplified through a digital-first campaign featuring a high-impact film, celebrity and influencer-led recovery stories—including participation from Remo D’Souza—along with outdoor and print outreach.
As part of the initiative, Sun Pharma is also inviting people to express gratitude to healthcare professionals through personalised digital messages. Consumers can visit www.secondbirthdate.com to create and send customised thank-you cards to doctors who have made a meaningful impact in their lives.
