[10] Through the project "Saving Little Hearts" run by Marian Cardiac Centre and Research Foundation, Pune, India,[11] he has helped more than 600 lives.

Dr Manoj Durairaj was presented with the Governor of Lagos Award for performing the city's first pediatric heart surgery.

Additionally, he led a team to Sanaa, Yemen,[12] where he performed the nation's first off-pump coronary surgery at the Al Thawara government hospital.

[15] Durairaj was honoured by the Vatican with the highest medal, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for lay individuals for his professional brilliance in the field of heart transplantation and his philanthropic activities.

In February 2018, the Research Society of B J Medical College presented him with the Dr BB Dixit award for his pioneering effort in the field of heart transplantation in Pune and for his work as a philanthropist.

He manages a humanitarian fund that has assisted hundreds of children in receiving free open-heart surgery, including heart transplantation.

[20][21] He was presented with the Hriduyamitra Award by the Deputy Charity Commissioner of Pune for his support of pediatric heart transplantation and assistance with over 350 youngsters undergoing open-heart surgery.