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Sydney looks to cricket super series to hook Indian tourists
MUMBAI: There is no place in the world like Sydney!
That is the catchline for a promotional campaign being done by the New South Wales (NSW) tourism board and will cost Aus $4 million. For the Indian component NSW is looking at next year’s cricket super series test match between Australia and a rest of the world side to attract Indians.
NSW is also exploring business opportunities and areas of cooperation with India like bio technology, infotech, research and education. NSW Premier Bob Carr has come to Mumbai with a trade delegation for this purpose. Addressing an eclectic gathering last evening Carr said, “We expect a 15 per cent annual growth in Indian tourism to Sydney.
“The cricket super series test match will have a huge pull for Indians as we expect some of their leading stars to participate. We anticipate that $ 11.5 million will accrue to Sydney as a result of the event. India’s passion for cricket is so great that the event will allow us to promote Sydney even more than what we had done four years ago when we staged the Olympics.”
A cornerstone of the promotional programme will see Indian journalists visiting Sydney. They will carry articles in the local papers about their experiences and the facilities that Sydney has to offer as a tourist destination and also as a business hub. There will also be special travel packages courtesy Quantas for Indians for the Super Series.
From September Qantas has been operating direct flights from Mumbai to Sydney. Carr added that Australia was the third choice for Indian students studying abroad. “Very soon we will overtake the UK and be second only to the US.”
The Super Series test match takes place from 14 -19 October 2005. Tourism NSW regional director South and South East Asia Tan Siew Hoon added, ” Sydney is a hub for Australia’s delicious food, shopping, soft adventures. Activities like the Sydney harbour bridge climb, Harley Davidson rides, Sydney Seaplane rides and iconic attractions like the Opera House have proven to be a big hit with visitors.”
Hoon said that an ad campaign would be looked at as the Super series date draws near. However as of now there are no plans to rope in any of the Australian cricketers as brand amsaadors.
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.
