Drs. Arjun and Shobha Rayapudi, the founders of Gift of Health, were honored to receive the Torch Bearer Award from the Peace Run Foundation. 

The Torch-Bearer Award was created to recognize and honour those people who contribute to their communities in a positive way. It is given to people who have inspired their nations, their cities, and their communities through their own lives and deeds. 

The Foundation is an international torch relay promoting the message that peace begins with each individual and that there is far more that unites us as one world family than divides us. 

The Peace Run spans over 150 countries and last year alone the North American team ran a 17,000km loop linking Canada, Mexico and the United States. While on the road, the team visits schools, community groups, politicians, athletic groups, and people from all walks of life.

Dr. Rayapudis’ co-founded Gift of Health, a non-profit organization, to empower and educate people about the connection between food choices and health. Drs. Arjun and Shobha Rayapudi have helped hundreds of people enjoy improved health through plant-based living. In addition to facilitating plant-based workshops, they also create a support system for people to continue on their health journey, including potlucks in the community. 

You can watch the coverage of the award ceremony on the NTV News website. 

Drs. Rayapudis’ dedication to this work comes from their desire to help people live healthier and happier lives.

Dr. Arjun Rayapudi is a surgeon and says that more than 80% of the health issues that he sees are due to poor diet and lifestyle choices and a plant-based diet works better than medicine and surgery to manage chronic medical disease.

Dr. Shobha Rayapudi is a physician and epidemiologist. She eloquently explained the connection between health and world peace: “When I’m free of pain, when I’m free of inflammation, when I’m free of disease, that’s when I can have better relationships with my family, with my partner, and with the people around in the community, and that’s how peace starts.” Peace exists when you are able to serve others

More coverage of the ceremony on peace run website.