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Star 7827 launches its reverse aution as Diwali special
MUMBAI: After the fabulous response from India’s first ‘Reverse Auction’ initiative – Star 7827, the interactive wireless communication platform from Star India network, is all set to launch its second reverse auction – ‘Kismat Jagao 7827 Lagao’ as a Diwali promotion special in association with Eros Jewelry on 3 November.
Star 7827’s last reverse auction which was held recently generated over 6.7 million text messages within a period of 14 days. On the last occasion, Jaya Jetley, a Sr. Tax assistant in the Delhi Income tax office became a proud owner of jewellery worth Rs. 2 million by bidding the single lowest bid of RS 95.72. Ms Jaya Jetley sent over 1000 SMS text messages to 7827 in order to secure the lowest winning bid. This was India’s largest ever SMS activity on mobile phones.
This Diwali, the stakes seem to be even higher as the winning bidder gets to take home jewellery worth RS 2.5 million. The bidding for the Diwali second reverse auction – ‘Kismat Jagao 7827 Lagao’ commences 3 November and closes after 14 days on 17 November. The winner will be announced subsequently on 20 November.
On the occasion of the launch of 7827’s Diwali reverse auction, Star India’s CEO Peter Mukerjea says “We have always believed in constantly innovating and providing quality entertainment. We are now extending this relationship to mobile phone users also. Having pioneered the concept of Reverse Auction, we intend to leverage its tremendous potential & grow on this overwhelming response.”
In order to participate in the auction, a mobile user needs to type ‘BID’ followed by a space and then their personal bid amount i.e. BID 6.44 or BID 16.94 etc, and send it to 7827. The Bidding is allowed upto two decimal places. Unlike a normal auction where the highest bidder wins, Kismat Jagao 7827 Lagao is a reverse auction bid where the mobile user with the single lowest unique bid is pronounced the winner.The jewellery is designed and sold by Eros Jewelry.
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.
