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Third semi final of ‘Harsha Ki Khoj’ airs 3 March on ESPN
ESPN Star Sports' (ESS) interactive initiative Dream Job – Harsha Ki Khoj is reaching an exciting climax. The last of the three semi-finals airs on 3 March at 8:30 pm on ESPN. The final takes place on 10 March.
The third semi final is a Wildcard round. Six contestants, who lost in the quarterfinals and were voted back in through SMS votes by viewers will be joined by two contestants who were given a direct entry into the round. Of the eight only two will manage to book a place in the final.
One of the contestants is Srijib Malik. He appeared on Dream Job directly in the quarter-finals by winning a dial-in contest during the India-Bangladesh test series last year; Puneet Pal Singh who had a personal emergency due to which he could not participate in the quarter-finals despite qualifying. The jury thought it only fair to give him a place in the Wildcard round. Mansi Sehdev is the only remaining female contestant. Padamjeet Sehrawat and Manish Valicha have already reached the final through the first two semi finals.
The third semi-final takes the contestants to the Gaachibawli Stadium in Hyderabad when the Premier Hockey League (PHL) was in progress. Their tasks were based around two critical PHL games in February. Contestants' skills as presenters and broadcasters, as well their knowledge of sport and the ability to analyse it, and bring it to viewers in an interesting way, was put to further test. Interviewing hockey players, providing live updates during PHL games, thinking up brilliant promos – the contestants had to face many hurdles. The episode has been shot in reality TV style, with ESPN's cameras following the contestants for two days at PHL in Hyderabad to catch every moment of their tasks, the rivalry between contestants, disappointments and triumphs.
The jury members for this Wildcard semi-final are ESS anchor Harsha Bhogle, Perizaad Zorabian and Darain Shahidi.
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.
