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Get a jab, industry urges staff, workers as it resumes operations
New Delhi: With the second wave of the pandemic beginning to show signs of a slowdown, organisations across the country are gearing up to welcome their employees back to the office. But with the threat of a third wave looming large, they are taking no chances and making arrangements for their employees to get vaccinated on time. The media and entertainment industry was also hit hard by the pandemic. With TV, film shoots suspended, the losses only mounted. Now as states begin to unlock and restrictions ease, the industry is also taking steps to resume business.
“Vaccination is the only wave to combat this dreaded disease. I’m sure it will eliminate the disease to a large extent and pave the way for a fearless and anxiety-free shooting in Maharashtra,” said Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) president Sajid Nadiadwala.
IFTPC has already begun vaccinating about 10,000 media and entertainment workers. The trade association has tied up with Kokilaben Ambani Hospital for the vaccination drive at the IFTPC office in Andheri West. It has decided to add two to three more vaccination centers once the return journey of crews shooting outside Maharashtra begins.
“Vaccination will be given free of cost to all the workers, but a nominal fee will be charged from high-end professionals and technicians,” said IFTPC chairman (TV and web), J D Majethia, adding that the first vaccination drive is being funded by Motion Pictures and TV Producers’ Welfare Trust, the philanthropic wing of IFTPC.
On 8 June, the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) also conducted a mass vaccination drive and inoculated as many as 108 people, including artists, technicians, executive producers, and writers.
The Producers Guild of India (PGI), the association of Indian film, television, and digital content producers also conducted a mass vaccination campaign for its guild members and associated production crews on a multi-day drive on 1 June. “Mass vaccination drives will help to facilitate safer shooting as the production has been resumed in limited hours,” it stated.
Broadcasters are not far behind either. Zee Entertainment has begun the vaccination drive for artists, technicians, crew members, other associates, and partners. Zee Kannada and Zee Bangla have already conducted the first drive, Zee Telugu will follow suit. Soumi Chakraborty, who plays Kamala in ‘Rani Rashmoni’ received the first dose of the Covid vaccine at the Zee Bangla office on 7 June.
“As a responsible broadcaster and one of the important broadcasters in the TV ecosystem, we have taken the initiative to provide free vaccination for all our artists, technicians, the crew of production houses, and other associates and partners. This initiative has been driven by a core sense of health and safety first for all the partners and members who are associated with our various projects,” said Zee Entertainment cluster head (East) Samrat Ghosh.
Yash Raj Films has also opened its studios for the first phase of the vaccination drive, in which it plans to inoculate as many as 4,000 workers. YRF had pledged to sponsor Covid-19 vaccines for 30,000 members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).
As the second wave recedes further, it may also become necessary for workers and staff to show proof of vaccination, when they resume work. The organizations are thus making efforts to dispel any concerns that their staff may have regarding vaccination and urging them to take the jabs.
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.
