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Sponsors back the idea of inclusivity; back the first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023
Mumbai: Joining the celebrations of inclusivity in sports, sponsors are enthusiastically backing the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, a ministry of youth affairs and sports initiative driven by the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi to provide an inclusive sports ecosystem in the country.
Deepali Sports, a division of Deepali Designs and Exhibits pioneers in sports marketing and games management has come on board as Principal Sponsor of the first-ever Khelo India Para Games which began in New Delhi on 10 December.
The historic partnership is a testimony of the company’s commitment to lighting up India’s sporting future. “As an end-to-end leading sports marketing and games management agency, Deepali Sports is committed to ushering in novel and revolutionary tech in all aspects of sports in India. The entry of Deepali Sports to this arena will be a game changer, in terms of integration, upgradation, and management of sports infra – across the country, will be of a very high quality, cohesively managed and tech-driven – in keeping with the demands and deep technologies that we have come to expect at all levels- planned, approached and executed with new-age precision, finesse, and elan, across the country for the first time,” said Deepali Group CEO and MD Vinay Mittal.
The advent of Deepali Sports – cues in International appeal in all aspects – whether it’s rich and dazzling opening and closing ceremonies, global standards tech-driven games management, seamless execution, a non-silo-driven approach, and superlative standards. Be it catering, hospitality, or security – these will be the hallmarks of Deepali Sports – given that such aspects had been overlooked by all other players– and the results will be there for all to see.
Khelo India Para Games 2023 is powered by The India Business and Disability Network (IBDN), a CII initiative that facilitates an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free workplace within the corporate sector.
Launched in 2019, it is a unique and first-of-its-kind initiative that serves as a one-stop solution to promote the employment of Persons with Disability while responding to the needs of the industry. IBDN enables inclusion and equal opportunities for Persons with Disability at the workplace through knowledge sharing, collaborative action, and improving technical skills of member organizations as well as facilitating and assisting companies in adopting products and services to create an inclusive and accessible workplace.
The week-long Khelo India Para Games, which will see over 1400 participants from 32 states and union territories is also co-powered by Surya Roshni Ltd. Surya Roshni Limited, a trailblazer in the lighting and steel pipe industry, proudly steps into the sporting arena as a co-sponsor for the first time in the prestigious Khelo India Para Games. This partnership symbolizes Surya’s commitment to fostering holistic growth and development in the nation through sports.
Surya Roshni Ltd, chairman shared Padma Shri Jaiprakash Agarwal said, “We are happy as well as proud to be part of Khelo India, a platform that resonates with our values of excellence, innovation, and community development. Our foray into sports sponsorship aligns seamlessly with our corporate ethos, and we are excited to contribute to the nation’s sporting legacy.”
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.
