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‘MTV’s Direct A Video Contest’ launched in the US
MUMBAI: MTV will celebrate its 21st birthday this month by launching MTV’s Direct A Video Contest, marking the channel’s first search across America for a new music video director for the 21st Century.
Together with rock band Korn, the channel is giving aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to create and direct the video for Alone I Break, the next single from the group’s current album Untouchables. From phone calls to casting calls and even budget pitfalls, MTV will capture the dramatic journey of the winning filmmaker in a special, first-ever documentary presentation, MTV Treatment which will debut later this year.
According to an official release, to enter the contest, sponsored by Monster.com, prospective directors have to submit their written treatment for Korn’s video by visiting MTV.com where they can also listen to the track ‘Alone I Break.’ Entries will be accepted till 21 August. Judges from Epic Records will narrow down the entries to 21 finalists whose submissions will be reviewed personally by Korn. The band will then collectively determine one aspiring director to film their video. The winner will be informed by a personal call from the band itself who will invite the filmmaker to Los Angeles to begin shooting.
The contest is open to US citizens between 18 and 34 years, and must not be represented by any commercial production company.
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.
