Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has unveiled the 2026 edition of its National Doctors' Day campaign, #SecondBirthDate, with Indian T20I cricket captain Shreyas Iyer joining the initiative to honour doctors for their role in helping patients rebuild their lives.
This year's campaign centres on Iyer's recovery after sustaining a life-threatening spleen injury during a match against Australia in Sydney in 2025. Following emergency medical treatment in India, he recovered and returned to professional cricket, with his story forming the campaign's central narrative.
Reflecting on his life-altering 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.”
Speaking about the campaign, 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.”
The latest edition will be promoted through a digital and social media film, alongside outdoor and print advertising. It will also feature recovery stories from celebrities and influencers, including Remo D'Souza. Previous editions have highlighted the experiences of Rishabh Pant, Sushmita Sen, Mahima Chaudhry and Paralympic javelin thrower Sumit Antil.
