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WION’s ‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 goes live on 16 July 2023
Mumbai: WION presents season two of ‘Billion Dollar Idea’: charting the extraordinary stories of individuals building big businesses, India’s premier international news channel, WION, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated season 2 of its talk show, ‘Billion Dollar Idea,’ hosted by news anchor and entrepreneur, Jasper Reid. With 12 highly engaging episodes, the new season aims to inspire and empower viewers in pursuit of bigger dreams.
‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian business, exploring both traditional and disruptive enterprises by talking to experienced and emerging entrepreneurs as well. The show provides an intimate glimpse into the personal journeys and motivations of its notable guests, sharing their successes, setbacks, and the stories behind their remarkable achievements.
Season two introduces a revamped format, featuring in-person and on-location interviews with Jasper Reid (the founder and CEO of International Market Management) engaging in informal chats with guests who have founded or lead enterprises valued at $1.0 billion or whose firms have the potential to become ‘Unicorns.’
Episode 1 of ‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 goes live on Sunday, 16 July 2023 and features thought-provoking conversations with Anish Achuthan, co-founder of Open Money, India’s 100th unicorn, as he shares candid insights into making his #BillionDollarIdea a reality.
WION chief business officer Madhu Soman commented on the approach of Season 2, saying, “With the second season of Billion-Dollar Idea, we plan to dig deeper and unpack the method behind the madness. And Jasper, with his slightly irreverent and freewheeling style, has this uncanny ability to get the mind behind the money to open up while keeping things conversational yet compelling.”
Jasper Reid, entrepreneur, and host of the show added “An entrepreneur’s journey is never easy. It requires unwavering zeal, the courage to face failure, and the willingness to take risks and handle uncertainty. As I explore the struggles and triumphs of each of the 12 entrepreneurs, I hope their stories will inspire many others in the future.”
WION – The World is One News, renowned for its comprehensive analysis of global issues, has amassed a subscriber base of over seven million on YouTube. The channel consistently outshines many Indian English News channels, including India Today, NDTV, and Times Now, in terms of monthly viewership on digital platforms.
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.
