To lead 3 days Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma in Jaipur
Udaipur : Padmaja Kumari Parmar, princess of Udaipur from the House of Mewar, has been honoured with the prestigious Mary Tyler Moore Award at the Breakthrough T1D Government Day held in Washington, D.C., recognising her global advocacy for people living with Type-1 Diabetes (T1D).With this recognition, Padmaja becomes one of the first Indian women to receive the global award, which honours individuals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in raising awareness and support for people living with T1D.
Padmaja was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes at the age of five and has since turned her personal journey into a platform for awareness and patient advocacy. She currently serves as a Global Ambassador for Breakthrough T1D, contributing to international efforts to improve access to treatment and strengthen patient support systems.
Reacting to the recognition, Padmaja said the award held deep personal meaning.
“It is an honour to receive this recognition. I dedicate it to my late father, whose strength and belief in me continue to guide me. This award belongs to everyone living with Type-1 diabetes who shows extraordinary resilience every day,” she said.
Following the global honour, Padmaja is now set to bring the conversation back to India. She will deliver the inaugural address at the Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma, scheduled to be held in Jaipur later this month.
The international summit will bring together doctors, researchers, policymakers and patient advocates to discuss early diagnosis, access to treatment and the social stigma surrounding Type-1 diabetes.
The summit is being organised by Breakthrough T1D in collaboration with The Friends of Mewar, a nonprofit founded by Padmaja in 2013 that works on preventive healthcare, diabetes awareness, rural cataract screening and other community health initiatives.
Speaking about hosting the global dialogue in Rajasthan, Padmaja said the initiative was close to her heart.
“Having lived with Type-1 diabetes since childhood, I understand both the medical and emotional challenges. Awareness and stigma remain major barriers, particularly in India. Bringing this conversation to Jaipur is deeply meaningful,” she said.
Health experts say patient-led advocacy initiatives such as this are increasingly playing a crucial role in shaping conversations around chronic illnesses like diabetes.
