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O&M elevates Sanjay Thapar after Vibha Desai calls it quits
MUMBAI: Moving swiftly after Ogilvy & Mather Delhi executive director Vibha Desai put in her papers to pursue personal interests, the agency has announced her replacement as part of two promotions.
First is that of Sanjay Thapar, who has been elevated to take on Desai’s position in Delhi. Thapar was earlier O&M Delhi vice president, head of office. On the other hand, in the agency’s Mumbai office, Nishi Suri has been promoted to group head for all the Mumbai-based businesses. Suri was previously head of O&M Advertising in Mumbai.
An official release states that the discipline heads in Mumbai will move to a full matrix-management structure, reporting to Suri and also to their specialist leaders in the market.
The release adds that these promotions reflect the success of the 360 degree management concept in the four other cities where O&M has offices, where such a role has been in existence for six months now.
O&M executive chairman Piyush Pandey was quoted as saying, “We are very happy to see these two promotions happen. It’s always great to see such talented people get the rewards they deserve, and it’s also a clear endorsement of the success of our 360 degree brand building belief.”
With regards to Desai, Pandey said, “We are also deeply grateful to Vibha for her contribution towards making our Delhi office one of our flagships and for establishing the 360 degree model. We wish her happiness and success in all walks of life.”
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.
