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MTV Intl’s Staying Alive Foundation announces grant recipients
MUMBAI: As part of its ongoing commitment to combat HIV and Aids, MTV Intl has announced that its newly formed global grant making and advocacy organisation, The Staying Alive Foundation, presented its first ever series of grants, called the Staying Alive Awards.
The beneficiaries include 25 young people and four youth-focussed health organisations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The Staying Alive Awards, totalling $33,500, are being made possible by a contribution from the M•A•C Aids Fund to benefit youths between the ages of 12 and 24, who are engaged in grassroots HIV and Aids prevention efforts. The purpose of the grants is to assist young people in the continuation of their work, to help them strengthen their efforts, and to inspire others to get involved.
MTV vice chairman and Ambassador for Unaids Bill Roedy says, “At MTV, we believe in the power of youth. One person can mobilise thousands to become leaders in building a future free from HIV and Aids. Through The Staying Alive Foundation, we are reaching youth on their terms while assisting in the continuation of their critical HIV and Aids prevention efforts. This marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to help enable youth lead and inspire others in fighting HIV and Aids at the grassroots level.”
One of the award recepients was India’s Ajay Jain. The 24 year old volunteers with Gram Bharati Samiti and focusses on HIV and Aids awareness and education, condom promotion, peer education, and diagnosis and treatment of STDs among tribal youth.
The Staying Alive Foundation was formed in January 2005 to encourage young people to take concrete action in protecting themselves and their communities against the multiple threats posed by the spread of HIV and AIDS, and to fight discrimination faced by people of all ages living with HIV and AIDS. The Foundation is an international not-for-profit public charity that operates in affiliation with but separately from MTV Networks International. The Foundation also acts separately from but mirrors the objectives of the company’s award winning HIV and AIDS prevention campaign, Staying Alive.
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.
