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Digikore to represent Fido Dido in India
MUMBAI: Digikore Studios Limited, a player in the animation, licensing and distribution business, has been appointed as the licensing agent for the popular character “Fido Dido” for the Indian market.
Digikore will seek licensing opportunities for “Fido Dido” in various categories including accessories, apparels, domestic and linens, food, gift and novelties, health and beauty aids, houseware and home furnishings, publishing, stationery and paper goods, toys and games.
Digikore Studios director operations Abhishek More said, “The introduction of Fido Dido provides an exciting new outlet for manufacturers, retailers, service organisations and content providers to enhance and extend their brand to the fast growing teen / young adult segment in India. Fido Dido is an international icon and can contribute significantly to make teen / young adult brands popular.”
Fido Dido, a gawky, cornball, very successful licensed character, began its life as an illustration in unillustrious fashion – as a sketch on a cocktail napkin. It was in a bar after work that Honest Entertainment LLC president and creative director Joanna Ferrone and Susan Rose first sketched Fido Dido.
Ferrone said, “We see great potential for Fido Dido in India. Over the last few years we have seen immense growth in the Indian retail sector and are sure that Fido Dido will definitely help companies licensing him to reach out to the teen / young adult market effectively. Licensing is relatively a new concept in India, but most companies in the US license characters to help push sales. With the speed at which the Indian retail market is growing and the increasing competition in the market, it’s not going to be long that many Indian companies will be licensing characters to get that extra push in sales.”
“Digikore will play a crucial role in helping Honest Entertainment successfully license Fido Dido to leading brands in India. Digikore is a full service licensing resource, which takes clients through every step of the licensing and marketing process and helps them fully realise the tangible benefits of leveraging a brand name,” More added.
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.
