DIABETES FIGHTERS' TRUST

Our Journey

Every Award Is a Fighter's Story

From cover features to international fellowships, from grassroots campaigns reaching 10,000+ people to being recognised among India's Top 50 innovators — each milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering every person with diabetes.

19+

Milestones

Awards Won

Major Events

10K+

People Reached

Award 2013

Top 50 Leaders – Novartis Leadership Camp

Novartis International AG

Mridula Kapil Bhargava was selected as one of the Top 50 emerging leaders at the prestigious Novartis Leadership Camp 2013 — one of the earliest national recognitions of her leadership potential in public health and patient advocacy.

Media Coverage 2013

Cover Girl – THE WEEK Magazine

The Week (Largest circulated English news magazine in India)

Featured as the cover girl of THE WEEK magazine — the largest circulated English news magazine in India — shining a spotlight on living with Type 1 Diabetes and breaking barriers with resilience and ambition.

Award 2015

Top 50 Innovators – Intel-DST Digital India Challenge

Government of India & Intel India

The REVORD (Revisualising Our Diabetes) initiative was recognised among the Top 50 Innovations in the Intel-DST Digital India Challenge 2015, validating its potential to transform diabetes education and community support in India.

Award 2017–18

Bakken Invitation Award

Medtronic Foundation, USA

Received the prestigious Bakken Invitation Award (2017–18), named after Dr Earl Bakken — founder of Medtronic, one of the world's largest medical equipment companies. This award recognises individuals with extraordinary potential to improve global health.

Award 2026

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Academic 2017–18

Master of International Public Health (IMPH)

Hebrew University – Hadassah Braun School of Public Health, Israel

Completed the Master of International Public Health programme at the renowned Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine in Israel, adding rigorous academic credentials to front-line patient experience.

Campaign 2015

REVORD Initiative Launch

Type 1 Diabetes Virtual Community

Launched REVORD (Revisualising Our Diabetes) — a pioneering virtual community platform that united Type 1 diabetes patients and their families across India through social media for education, peer support, and community building.

Event 2018

Diabetes Caregivers Training Program

In collaboration with EcDeesha Foundation, PTRC & Yog Dhyan Foundation

Designed and delivered a structured training programme for family caregivers of diabetes patients, addressing knowledge gaps, caregiver burnout, and skill development — conducted in collaboration with three leading NGOs.

Event 2019

SPORTYGO – Sports for T1D Children

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi — 500+ attendees

Sponsored 25 children with Type 1 Diabetes to participate in the SPORTYGO sports event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. The event gathered over 500 participants; two sponsored T1D children won silver medals and a cash prize — proving that diabetes is no barrier to athletic achievement.

Campaign 2019

Mega Sensitization Drive with Delhi Metro

10 metro stations · 10 days · 10,000+ people reached

Partnered with Delhi Metro Railway Corporation to conduct India's largest diabetes awareness campaign across 10 metro stations over 10 days. Over 10,000 commuters were sensitized about diabetes, and thousands signed a petition for "ACT NOW FOR DIABETES RIGHTS."

Event 2019

ACT Now for Diabetes Rights – National Advocacy Event

Co-organised with NDMC · Multi-stakeholder platform

Organised a landmark national advocacy event with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation on 26 November 2019. Brought together patient advocates, doctors, government officials, policymakers, pharma leaders, and NGOs to discuss and act on the rights of people with diabetes in India.

Award 2022

FICCI Healthcare Excellence Award

FICCI Annual Healthcare Awards, Mumbai

Recognised at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Healthcare Excellence Awards for outstanding contribution to patient advocacy and community health education in the diabetes space.

Media Coverage 2022

Deccan Herald Full-Page Feature

Deccan Herald ? National Health Edition

A full-page investigative feature on the silent struggles of Type 1 diabetes patients in India, spotlighting DFighters' ground-level advocacy and community support network.

Academic 2021

Research Paper: Barriers to Insulin Access in India

Published in BMJ Open, Volume 11

A peer-reviewed research paper co-authored with clinical partners documenting systemic barriers to insulin access for T1D patients across rural and semi-urban India, cited in national health policy discussions.

Campaign 2022

#InsulinForAll National Campaign

Pan-India Social Media & Ground Campaign

A high-impact national campaign demanding equitable access to insulin for every person with diabetes in India. The campaign garnered 2.5 million impressions across social platforms and led to constructive dialogue with state health ministries.

Award 2023

ET Healthworld Changemaker Award

Economic Times Health Innovation Forum

Honoured as a Changemaker by Economic Times Healthworld for pioneering efforts in raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes rights and insulin access in India.

Media Coverage 2021

Outlook India Cover Story

Outlook Magazine ? Health & Wellness Issue

Featured in Outlook India's health issue covering innovative approaches to diabetes management and the human stories behind our insulin access campaign.

Academic 2022

National Policy Brief on Diabetes Rights

Submitted to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

A comprehensive policy document developed in consultation with medical experts and patient communities, outlining recommendations for affordable insulin access, CGM coverage, and T1D-specific insurance provisions.

Media Coverage 2023

BBC Hindi Digital Story

BBC Hindi Online ? Patient Rights Series

A digital feature in BBC Hindi's patient rights series highlighting the challenges faced by children with Type 1 diabetes and DFighters' work bridging the healthcare gap.

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