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IDCA inaugurates third Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2024 with Serum Institute of India
Mumbai: Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) thirrd Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2024, organised in association with Serum Institute of India (a part of Cyrus Poonawalla Group), was formally inaugurated in a glittering ceremony by the chief guest Santosh Kumar Rai, District Magistrate South-East, Delhi.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by a galaxy of dignitaries from the cricket and corporate world, supporting this IDCA 3rd Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2024. Dev Dutt, BCCI certified coach also joined the event.
Guests of Honour
- Jaswinder Narang, CEO, Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, representing Serum Institute of India, Cyrus Poonawalla Group, principal partner
- B P Sharma, Director – Central Vigilance Commission, New Delhi
- Rajesh Gehlot, BJP – Delhi
- Shailendra Solanki, Chairman – Venkateshwara International School, Dwarka, New Delhi.
- Dr Nirav Patel, Assistant Commission of Police, Delhi Police
- Rajesh Dogra, ACP – Delhi Police
Dedicated to nurturing upcoming sports talent among specially-abled youth, Serum Institute of India, a part of Cyrus Poonawalla Group, has joined hands with IDCA as the principal partner. In this role, the group will extend full support to IDCA for the hearing-impaired men’s tournament as they compete to win the coveted cup.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony, former cricketer and chief guest, Santosh Kumar Rai, District Magistrate South East, Delhi said, “It is a proud moment for me to be associated with 3rdIDCA National Cricket Championship. This league provides a platform for specially-abled men to showcase their talent. They have worked really hard towards it, and I am truly glad to be associated with them. I am also thankful to all partners who are supporting this cause, and I look forward to being a part of it for the years to come. This is indeed a proud moment for me, and together by doing our bit, we can make a big impact for specially-abled men. Let’s help them dream and believe that they too can achieve great heights.”
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, IDCA president Sumit Jain said, “Today is an important tournament as it signals IDCA’s focus on promoting not only world-class cricket, but emphasis on nurturing diversity and inclusion. All our partners share our vision and are committed to helping hearing-impaired cricketing talent and join the ‘DaretoDream’ movement to mainstream these players who have won many accolades for India. This is also a very special tournament as it is the 3rd National Cricket Championship in 2024.”
IDCA CEO Roma Balwani commented, “We are truly honoured by the presence of dignitaries who have come today to celebrate and motivate these hearing-impaired men of substance, who will demonstrate their prowess on the cricket field. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Modiji has been championing the cause of disability sports in a significant way. He has also promoted the universal usage of sign language which will create more awareness and help break barriers for the hearing-impaired members of communities at large”.
IDCA patron Reena Jain Malhotra welcoming the chief guest and guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony, said, “It is a special moment for us at IDCA to see four different states coming together to play the prestigious 3rd IDCA National Cricket Championship. We are very thankful to all our support partners for their belief in the cause of hearing-impaired cricket. We hope to nurture and make it bigger and better in the years to come”.
In support are IDCA’s long-term partners, KFC India, Hero Moto Corp, Nykaa, Impact Research, Cognito & Kaizzen.
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.
