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Swastik makes key hires in digital team
Mumbai: Swastik announced the expansion of its digital leadership team with the appointment of Jitendra Joshi as the head of digital monetisation and brand partnerships and Smita Roy as the head – digital operations. While Jitendra will oversee content monetisation through strategic partnerships and ad revenue initiatives to drive the company’s digital growth, Smita Roy will be responsible for driving the focus on expanding digital presence across medium and content absorption in order to deliver exceptional content to a broader audience.
Jitendra brings valuable experience, stretching over 17 years in media and advertising sales. He has been at the forefront of creating and executing strategic solutions for client partners on some of the largest properties in TV broadcasting space such as Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Kapil Sharma Show, Indian Idol, and many more. His expertise spans across diverse genres including GEC, sports, Hindi movies, regional, English niche, and music channels. In his most recent role at Sony Pictures Networks (CulverMax Entertainment), Jitendra led the Hindi movie channel – Sony MAX 2. Over the past decade as a leader, he has built and retained top-tier teams where he achieved a stellar retention rate, and fostered a culture of innovation.
With over 17 years of experience across banking, media and entertainment, Smita started her career with J P Morgan Chase as a Financial Service Advisor and then moved on to CNBC TV18 as a part of Focus18 where she handled corporate events and marketing. Following this, she joined Qyuki Digital Media as a brand solutions Lead and then Eros Now as a lead for brand alliances and partnerships. Prior to joining Swastik, Smita was associated with Hungama Digital as Lead for Content Syndication and Brand Partnerships.
Speaking on the appointment, Swastik founder and chief creative, Siddharth Kumar Tewary said, “We welcome Smita and Jitendra to our Swastik family, I believe both of them will drive our journey towards telling stories to newer audiences through the digital medium. With our experience and understanding of Indian history and culture for over a decade now, we are really excited about this journey as it enables us to tell stories of our past to our future.”
Speaking on his appointment, Swastik head of digital monetisation & brand partnerships, Jitendra Joshi expressed, “I am honoured to join Swastik and contribute to its dynamic growth. With a significant presence built in television, we look forward to growing the franchise of our content on digital platforms too.”
Swastik head – digital operations, Smita Roy further added, “I am thrilled to be part of Swastik Group, a company that has consistently set benchmarks in content creation. I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance our digital footprint in content & music and deliver captivating content that resonates with audiences across platforms.’’
Jitendra Joshi and Smita Roy’s appointments are with immediate effect. They both are based out of Mumbai and will report into Siddharth Kumar Tewary.
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.
