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Laryngectomy Survivors Create World Record by singing National Anthem at Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, January 26, 2026:
In a moment filled with pride, emotion, and National spirit, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute (BIACH&RI) marked India’s 77th Republic Day by hosting a historic World Record National Anthem recital by Total laryngectomy survivors.

The unique and inspiring recital of “Jana Gana Mana” was performed using electrolarynx devices and tracheoesophageal voice prostheses (TEP), highlighting the remarkable success of voice rehabilitation following Total laryngectomy. The event, held at the hospital campus in Banjara Hills, has been officially certified by the World Book of Records, London, making it the collective National Anthem recital by laryngectomy survivors globally.

Republic Day Programme Highlights

The Republic Day celebrations commenced with the Flag hoisting, followed by the emotionally stirring National Anthem singing by the laryngectomy survivors.

The event was graced by:

• Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna Garu, Chairman & Managing Trustee, Nandamuri Basava Taraka Ramarao Memorial Cancer Foundation (NBTRMCF) and Hon’ble Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
• Board members of the Hospital
• Senior oncologists, hospital staff members
• A representative from the World Book of Records, London

Following the record-setting performance, the survivors also came together to sing “Vande Mataram”, commemorating 150 years of Vande  Mataram to celebrate its unique role in the history of India, after which hospital leadership and the World Book of Records representative addressed the gathering. The programme concluded with felicitation of survivors, group photographs, and expressions of gratitude, making it a deeply meaningful Republic Day celebration.

Incidence (New Cases) in India

• Laryngeal cancer in India has wide regional variation in how often it’s diagnosed. According to Indian cancer registry data:
  • The age-adjusted incidence in males ranges roughly from 26 to 8.18 per 100,000 population depending on the region.
  • In general, it contributes to about 3–6% of all cancers in Indian males, and only about 0.2–1% in females.
• Globally estimated data (from GLOBOCAN/IARC data for 2020) also indicates that the age-standardised rate for laryngeal cancer in India was about:
  • ~4.55 per 100,000 men
  • ~0.67 per 100,000 women
    (This is an estimate based on modeling, not direct reporting).

📍 Prevalence (Existing Cases) in India

• There is no single national figure for prevalence from Indian cancer registries publicly available, but:
  • Laryngeal cancer cases are part of overall cancer burden that increases with age and tobacco exposure.
  • Older studies (e.g., data from 2012) showed that India had over 25,000 new laryngeal cancer diagnoses and about 17,560 deaths attributed to it in that year as part of national estimates

Voice Rehabilitation Using Electrolarynx and Tracheoesophageal Prosthesis (TEP)

• Laryngeal cancer, a subset of head and neck cancers, is commonly associated with risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and prolonged voice strain. Symptoms may include persistent hoarseness, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing. Early detection enables more effective and less aggressive treatment.
• For advanced cases, total laryngectomy becomes a life-saving surgery in which the voice box is removed. While the procedure eliminates cancer, it also affects natural speech.
• Through voice rehabilitation using an electrolarynx or tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP), patients regain the ability to communicate, rebuild confidence, and reintegrate into daily life.
• Beyond physical recovery, rehabilitation addresses emotional and social challenges, helping survivors reconnect with their families, society, and their sense of identity.

Laryngectomy Rehabilitation Club at BIACH&RI

The Head and Neck Oncology Department at BIACH&RI has been running a Laryngectomy Rehabilitation Club for several years, with meetings held every three months. The initiative provides:

• Peer support and motivation
• Pre-operative counselling
• Interaction between pre- and post-surgery patients
• Guidance for recovery and communication skills

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online Zoom meetings ensured continuity of support. The club has played a vital role in improving emotional recovery and enhancing the quality of life of laryngectomy survivors.

The Republic Day event was part of the hospital’s ongoing Total Laryngectomy Rehabilitation Meet, celebrating resilience and the spirit of rebuilding lives.

Voices from the Event

Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna Garu said:

“Watching these cancer survivors come together to recite the National Anthem filled all of us with immense pride and joy. These are individuals who once fought for their lives and lost their natural voice, yet today they created a world record. This achievement reminds us that with care, belief, and support, even the greatest loss can be transformed into strength and national pride.”

Dr. L. M. Chandra Sekhara Rao, Chief – Head & Neck Oncology, BIACH&RI, said:

“It was a rare and deeply moving gathering of survivors whose journey from illness to recovery made the occasion truly special. After undergoing total laryngectomy, natural speech is altered, yet through prolonged and demanding speech therapy supported by assistive devices, these survivors learned to communicate again—voice by voice, step by step. Their collective rendition of the National Anthem stands as a powerful reminder that confidence, communication, and dignity can be reclaimed after profound loss.”

A World Book of Records, London representative stated:

“A collective National Anthem recital by laryngectomy survivors has never been documented before. This achievement is a meaningful milestone that highlights the power of determination and rehabilitation.”

A participating cancer survivor said:

“Losing my voice after surgery was one of the hardest moments of my life. There were days I wondered if I would ever express myself again. With therapy, patience, and constant practice, I slowly found my voice. Singing the National Anthem today was about regaining confidence and proving that life moves forward even after losing one’s throat. I am proud to have contributed to this historic moment.”

A Message Beyond the Record

This Republic Day 2026 will be remembered not only as a national celebration but as a powerful reminder that loss of voice does not mean loss of spirit. Through unity, medical care, and dedicated rehabilitation, laryngectomy survivors transformed silence into strength and created history for India and the world.