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A+E Networks TV18 appoints Avinash Kaul as president
MUMBAI: A+E Networks TV18 (AETN18) has appointed Avinash Kaul as president. Kaul will be responsible for day-to-day operational, strategic and financial management of the joint-venture. The role will be in addition to his responsibility as CEO of IBN Network.
Speaking on the occasion, Network18 Group CEO A.P Parigi said, “As A+E Networks TV18 enters a new phase of growth, I’m confident that Avinash is the right person to lead the company forward. He has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, ensure disciplined execution, and deliver results. We believe that his passion for innovation will help ensure that the venture will continue its stellar growth trajectory.”
A+E Networks executive vice president Sean Cohan added, “Avinash brings vast media expertise, foresight and knowledge of the Indian market to the venture. Under his leadership, we are well-positioned to realize our shared vision of strong and vibrant entertainment services in India.”
“I am honoured to take on this role, and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Our focus will be to continue to unleash the power of globally acclaimed content with a mix of innovative programming that resonates with Indian viewers. I’m looking forward to working with the business and content teams in our journey to create India’s leading factual entertainment group,” added Kaul
With a career spanning over 16 years, Kaul has rich experience in a variety of roles in sales, marketing and general management across genres like news, entertainment, movie and lifestyle in India. Prior to this, Kaul held the position of CEO – TV division of BCCL, managing Times Now, ET Now and zoOm. He has also worked in leadership and various capacities in networks like Star, NDTV Media and Discovery Networks, among others.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
