News Headline
DataWind expands its distribution reach; to leverage HomeShop18’s multimedia retail platform
NEW DELHI: DataWind, provider of wireless web access products, has announced expansion of its Indian retail footprint through a new partnership with HomeShop18, one of India’s comprehensive virtual retailer operating in an integrated multimedia environment.
HomeShop18 and DataWind as part of the agreement will jointly launch special sales programmes across broadcast, mobile and internet media to create greater access of UbiSlates, India’s largest selling low cost android tablets and internet access devices.
DataWind, in the last couple of months, has aggressively expanded its distribution network through a series of modern, traditional and online retail distribution agreements. DataWind’s UbiSlate range of tablets and PocketSurfer series of smartphones are now available across the country at specialist as well as general mobile stores and large format electronics retail superstores. These new channels now support the company’s existing retail infrastructure that include online and direct to consumer channels.
Speaking on the occasion, DataWind president &CEO Suneet Singh Tuli said, “We greatly value our partnership with HomeShop 18, given their experience and extensive reach across multimedia platforms of broadcast, internet and mobile shopping. The partnership augurs well for both the companies just as it increases access to our low cost android tablets, the addition of our range to HomeShop 18 platform enriches their overall offering.”
DataWind in the last six months has tied up with UniverCell in the south, Spice Retail in the North and West and has established its own distribution network in the east. The company values this new partnership to help close distribution gaps by leveraging HomeShop18’s wide TV shopping network.
Speaking about the partnership, HomeShop18 founder and CEO Sundeep Malhotra said, “We at HomeShop 18, aim to persistently bring to our customers superior technology at an affordable price. Our partnership with Datawind will ensure our customers from across the length and breadth of the country, have access to the company’s rich product portfolio. We are delighted to offer HomeShop 18’s extensive reach through TV, Web and Mobile to Datawind and look forward to a successful alliance.”
Since its initial launch in India in mid-2012, DataWind has consistently ranked as one of the top players in the tablet PC segment in India
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.
