Sri Nandamuri Balakrishna receives a certificate from the World Book of Records representatives
On the 77th Republic Day, a group of over 75 laryngectomees sang the National Anthem on 26 January 2026. The cancer patients who had their larynx removed during their treatment at the Head & Neck Department of Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute impressed everyone by singing the National Anthem with an artificial larynx implanted in their bodies. The World Book of Records, London has recognized the Singing of the National Anthem by over 75 patients as a world record. By achieving this record, they paid special tributes to Mother India on the 77th Republic Day.
To display the resilience, unity and rehabilitative power of the club members to the world, a group of over 75 laryngectomies sang the National Anthem on 26th January 2026, on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, earning a place in the World Book of Records.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. LM Chandrasekhara Rao, HOD, Head & Neck Oncology Department, BIACH&RI said that the Head and Neck Oncology Department of Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital and Research Institute had started the Laryngectomy Club many years ago and had been organizing club meetings every 3 months. He said that through these clubs, a platform is created for patients to discuss and motivate their recovery path from surgery, including peer support, pre-operative counselling, pre- and post-surgery. He explained that during the pandemic, online Zoom meetings were held to boost personal confidence and these clubs has helped in recovering from emotional issues and improved the quality of life of the members. Continuing our commitment in this regard, we are now organizing the Total Laryngectomy Rehabilitation Conference – celebrating the spirit of resilience, unity and rebuilding lives, said Dr. Chandrasekhara Rao.
After achieving the World Book of Records, Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chairman, BIACH&RI, explained that in many cases of treatment for throat cancers, the voice box, which is the organ that produces sound, has to be removed. This results in the loss of the ability to produce sound, and thus, the loss of the ability to speak means a disability, he said. In such situations, even if they fight and win the battle against cancer, they face a lot of social, mental and physical discrimination and risk losing their composure, he added. He further added that in such situations, they are provided with social, mental and functional support, to share solutions with others for daily life, to find solutions, to improve their communication (with electrolarynx or voice prostheses) and to build confidence. He praised the doctors of the Head & Neck Department for organizing such a good program.
The cancer patients who had their larynx removed while undergoing treatment at the Head & Neck Department of Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute impressed everyone by singing the national anthem with an artificial larynx implanted in their bodies. At the subsequent event held at hospital auditorium, representatives from the World Book of Records London presented the world record certificate to Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chairman, BIACH&RI. On this occasion, everyone appreciated the patients and doctors.