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Tech Mahindra ropes in Sumit Kumar Popli as TME head
MUMBAI: There’s a new leader at the top of the technology, media & entertainment (TME) vertical in Tech Mahindra. The global technology solutions and digital solutions firm has appointed Sumit Kumar Popli as the president and strategic business unit head for TME from 19 October. He will be based in the Bay area, according to his Linkedin profile.
With over a score and five years of global experience in driving enterepreneurial success and transforming large businesses across various industries, including TMT, retail & CPG, life sciences & healthcare, travel & transportation, and manufacturing, his charter at Tech Mahindra includes fostering partnerships and leveraging its service offerings to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of clients in the TME business.
Prior to his latest elevation, Popli spent over 22 years at TCS and served as the vice-president and global head of the hardware & consumer technology industry (computer platforms) where he played a pivotal role in the exponential growth of the business unit. In 2022, Sumit became a managing director at Deloitte in the TMT Industry, where he dedicated over two years to expanding its operate and technology services offerings within the TMT and private equity industry.
Tech Mahindra has been in pursuit of developing and providing AI solutions to the media industry globally. The company’s digital solutions for the sector includes include performance marketing, campaign analytics, SEO, email marketing, content management, and creative services. Its video engineering services span the entire content supply chain from planning and pre-production through to distribution and monetisation across platforms like OTT, satellite, cable, and terrestrial, including ATSC 3.0 and IPTV. TechMahindra’s cloud gaming platform allows users to play games across all devices – mobile, desktop, consoles, STBs and smart TVs. This is a strategic solution for OTT, payTV and telecom operators managing subscriber churn and low engagement.
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.
