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Dinesh Akula quits TV9, joins Express TV
MUMBAI: It seems to be a season of movements in the news television sector. And the latest to join the long list is former TV9 executive editor Dinesh Akula.
Akula has joined a Hyderabad based start up channel Express TV as senior VP-editorial and operations. In his new role, Akula will be responsible for the channel’s overall editorial content that goes on-air. “I will also be looking at the two websites-Telugu and English, of the network, apart from overlooking the entire operations,” says Akula.
On the future plans, he says, “Well, it’s been just a couple of days since I joined and so currently I am understanding the structure of the organisation and then will start working on the network’s future plans.”
Express TV is looking at launching two news channels in Tamil and Kannada languages. Not only this, the network is also hoping to launch an entertainment channel soon. “The biggest challenge this year was covering the general elections, and after that I was looking at changing my profile and Express TV gave me that opportunity,” he adds.
The move has come after he spent close to seven years in TV9 where he was responsible for the on-air content, the look and feel, planning and execution of content strategies for TV9 Telugu and was earlier handling national news desk for all the six TV9 channels.
With over 20 years of experience in media, Akula has worked with BBC in Bristol, Sky News in London, Star News (Now ABP News), Times of India and Hindustan Times in India 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.
