News Headline
Weekend Unwind with: QYOU Media’s chief executive officer Simran Hoon
Mumbai: In this week’s edition of ‘weekend unwind series’, we have QYOU Media chief executive officer Simran Hoon opening up her heart and mind to us, by sharing her nuggets on life and mantras to deal with the curveballs that life throws.
Hoon leads one of the fastest-growing general entertainment networks and leverages her experience & insights to provide strategic direction to create new opportunities for the company as well as drive organisational growth. During her career, she has been associated with well-known media companies including Viacom18, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Star India, Sony Entertainment Television & Times of India group. Hoon has two and a half decades experience in the media industry and is one of the youngest women in a senior C-level leadership role in India.
The lesser-known facets of her life include being a proud pet mom and member of pet & animal shelter forums. She is also a keen traveller and sportsperson with an interest in marathon-running & horse-riding.
Let us hear it from her:
-Your mantra for life
Be grateful for all that you have.
-A book you are currently reading/plan to read
’48 Laws of Power’ by Robert Greene.
-Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Yoga and walks with my dog.
-Your comfort food
Rajma chawal.
-When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
There is a God up there, watching over.
-Your guilty pleasure
Jalebi.
-When was the last time you tried something new?
Like most lockdown first-time chefs, I made my first dal ever and was pleasantly surprised!
-A life lesson you learnt the hard way
Never judge a book by its cover.
-What gets you excited about life?
The next travel plan.
.-What’s on top of your bucket list?
A trip to Japan.
-If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be tough on yourself, life has its plans chalked out for you.
-One thing you would most like to change about the world
Fake people with big egos.
-An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times
Music and meditation.
-What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
A cup of chai with close ones.
-Your go-to stress buster
My dog!
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.
