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Tata group launches business quiz ‘Tata Crucible’
MUMBAI: Tata group is launching ‘Tata crucible’ – the business quiz a search for excellence. To commemorate the death centenary of JN Tata and the birth centenary of JRD Tata and Naval Tata – three leaders of the Tata Group, the company has designed two quizzes one aimed at the employees of the group and the other aimed at the corporate world at large.
The quiz will be held at various cities in India at Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. It is a ‘winner takes it all’ quiz with the winner walking away with Rs 2,00,000 as cash prize and a host of other attractive prizes, says a company release.
The release exalts that unlike other quiz shows, this one is a multi- media based set up and would be developed on VB with extremely interactive rounds, thereby taking Indian quizzing beyond the power point.
The quiz, to be conducted in major metros across India, has already started the regional rounds for the two tracks kicking off from Jamshedpur on 26 June 2004 where 150 Tata teams had participated.
The grand finale will be held in Mumbai on 1 August 2004. The quiz amongst other subjects, will also underline the role played by the group in its quest for nurturing and growing business excellence, leadership, team play and entrepreneurship.
Hosted by ace quizmaster Giri Balasubramaniam, a.k.a ‘PickBrain’ ‘Tata Crucible-The Business Quiz’, will cover a wide canvas of subjects from business houses to brands, business history, people to products, from business fundas to fundamentals, from creators of wealth to architects of scams, from Wall Street to Dalal Street, and Manhattan to Chandni Chowk, says the release.
According to Tata Services ltd vice president, corporate affairs, Romit Chaterji, “For over one 100 years, the Tata Group has been synonymous with pioneering initiatives focussed towards nation-building. The group has been a role model for the business community in these 100 years. From steel to power, aviation to automobiles and from textile to technology, it has been at the very core of Indian industry. Building people, products and business ethics that have inspired several other companies and business practices in India.”
“Nationwide, quizzing has become a cult phenomenon and while there are many such properties for students and the children, there are not many properties for the corporate world at large. Recognizing the untapped potential and to bridge this gap, the Tata Group has decided to launch “Tata Crucible-The Business Quiz”. Bringing together India’s finest business minds, to take the heat of the toughest business quiz in India. It is also our aim to make this event a part of our annual Calendar of Events,” he added.
Open to all companies and other organisations, including those in the media and advertising, the quiz invites team comprising two participants from each same company or organisation. Although, there is no limit on the number of teams that can participate from an individual company or organisation.
The participating teams from other corporates (non-Tata employees) can register at an entry fee of Rs 500. The amount collected will be donated to the cause of Save the Children India.
These teams will contest for a preliminary written test for the regional rounds. Each regional round will be preceded by a preliminary written elimination test that will involve all teams. The top six teams from the written prelims will qualify for the regional finals, which will be held at the same venue. The winning team from each of the regional rounds will qualify for the national finals, which is to be held in Mumbai on 1 August 2004.
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.
