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MTV’s social initiative joins forces with Time
NEW YORK: MTV’s yearlong pro-social initiative Fight For Your Rights: Protect Yourself and Time magazine have joined forces to address the issue of teen sexuality and abstinence-only sex education in schools across the US.
An MTV/Time magazine poll of 1,061 young people between the ages of 13-18 demonstrated an overwhelming concern about issues pertaining to their sexual health. In addition to discovering that sexual health is young people’s most important issue, the poll uncovered the following about teens, sex and how they want to get information about it.
Young people want information about safe sex and contraception in school, but say they aren’t getting it: 84 per cent believe that sex ed in school should include information about birth control and safe sex. 63 per cent said sex ed in their school did not cover everything they needed to know about sex. 73 per cent want condoms distributed in schools. Young people do not believe that comprehensive sex education will encourage them to have sex: 74 per cent say that learning about contraception and safe sex in schools would either have no impact on their decision, or would actually make them less likely to have sex. And contrary to the growing trend of federal funding for abstinence-only programmes, most young people oppose it:
MTV and Time will explore both sides of this controversy and the results of the joint poll in two separate reports. Time’s education writer Jodie Morse will look at a trend in the abstinence world: programmes that tackle the issue from a medical rather than values-based perspective.
Fight For Your Rights: Protect Yourself is the latest instalment in MTV’s Emmy-Award winning Fight For Your Rights pro-social initiative. Developed in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation, the year-long campaign focuses primarily on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancy. It will include special programming; public service messages; one of the most comprehensive sexual health websites for youth; grassroots events and advocacy opportunities; and an extensive resource and referral service, including a free sexual health guide.
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.
