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Mahajan, Jaitley trade places; Swaraj may move to parliamentary affairs
NEW DELHI: In a development that is likely to significantly impact the media sector, information technology, communications and parliamentary affairs minister Pramod Mahajan resigned from his post tonight. He is set to take charge as party general secretary.
The move comes just ahead of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s cabinet reshuffle slated for tomorrow. As per the information available from political sources, Mahajan will be swapping places with the current incumbent, former information and broadcasting (I&B) minister Arun Jaitley whose most recent portfolio was as Union law minister.
Rumours were flying amidst the thick air of intense political activity in the capital. There was strong speculation that I&B minister Swaraj was being shifted to parliamentary affairs. Minister of state for coals and mines Ravi Shankar Prasad was reportedly coming in to occupy Shastri Bhavan. Prasad, who is the brother-in-law of journalist turned Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla, was however, not expected to get cabinet rank. The political grape vine has it that he would be made minister of state for I&B with independent charge.
Mahajan’s move to direct party activities is seen as a clear signal that the BJP has set its sights on the upcoming state elections as well as looking ahead to the general elections due in 2004. Mahajan is one of the ruling party’s principal fund raisers.
Mahajan’s departure from the cabinet puts a question mark on the long stagnating communications convergence bill of which he was a big votary. How Mahajan’s expected replacement for this portfolio, Jaitley feels about the Bill that many have said is unworkable in its present form, should be worth watching.
Some observers also say that the case of Star India’s application for uplinking for its Star News channel may get a shot in the arm with this development. This is because it was only Mahajan’s ministry that had yet to give its comment on the note forwarded to it on the matter by I&B minister Sushma Swaraj. It is only after all the concerned ministries have given their comments the proposal can be put before the cabinet for further action.
Of course all this would be turned on its head if Swaraj also moves out of Shastri Bhavan. Then it all becomes totally unpredictable.
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.
