News Headline
MIPTV, Endemol to unveil best European singer
PARIS: MIPTV (International Television Programme Market), which claims to be the television industry’s largest and longest-running trade event, is looking to add glamour through music artistes from different Eurpean cities this month.
Endemol Entertainment has chosen the international TV market as a platform to host the grand finale of its worldwide hit format Star Academy.
An official release informs that the format’s appeal was such that Endemol created a European version of the show entitled Eurobest. This will be transmitted live by TF1 on 25 March from the grand auditorium, Palais des Festivals.
Eurobest will gather winners from nine versions of the format: Fame Academy (UK), Operacion Triunfo (Spain), Star Academy (France, Belgium), Starmaker (Holland), Factory of the Stars (Russia), Operazione Trionfo (Italy), Fame Story (Greece) and Academia de Estrellas (Portugal), to compete against each other for the title of Best European Singer. The adjudicating body will comprise directors and teachers from the various Academy schools, whose collective votes will determine the Eurobest champion.
Endemol has already signed singers Lionel Ritchie and Mariah Carey as special guests on the show. The release informs that when Swedish distributor Strix acquired the Scandinavian rights to Planet 24’s Survivor during MIPCOM 1996 it marked the beginning of the formats explosion. Since then, the MIP markets have acted as a hub for numerous hit formats by providing a stimulating environment for international producers to brainstorm, explore global trends, and strike co-production or distribution deals.
MIPTV 2003 will also play host to a series of in-depth conferences and talks in relation to the genre, addressing key issues such as the return of the US formats business, and the art of pitching, whilst format mogul Gary Carter will act as special guest speaker and deliver a keynote on ‘Coaching Creativity’.
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.
