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AMFI becomes a silver partner for PCI at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
Mumbai: The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) announced its partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as a silver partner for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This collaboration aims to celebrate the unparalleled spirit of para-athletes and convey a powerful message of resilience, focus, and commitment that resonates with both the sporting and investing communities.
This year, India is sending a formidable 84-member strong contingent of para-athletes to the Paris Paralympics. These athletes embody the essence of determination and the ability to rise above challenges. AMFI’s partnership with PCI is not just about supporting a global sporting event but also about celebrating the extraordinary journey of these athletes who have overcome immense odds to represent the nation on a global stage.
AMFI chairman Navneet Munot remarked, “Our para-athletes exemplify the indomitable human spirit through their courage and tenacity. Their path to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games serves as a powerful testament to the idea that with determination, no obstacle is insurmountable and no dream unattainable. This partnership transcends mere collaboration; it is a tribute to every victory over adversity and every dream that soars high. AMFI takes immense pride in supporting these exceptional individuals, whose resilience and perseverance inspire us all to push our boundaries. We stand alongside them on this extraordinary journey, celebrating their unwavering commitment to representing our nation with pride and honour.”
AMFI chief executive Venkat Chalasani commented, “The journey of our para-athletes is nothing short of inspiring. They epitomize the courage to dream, the strength to overcome, and the will to succeed against all odds. At AMFI, we are humbled to be a part of their journey and to witness their incredible stories unfold in Paris. This partnership with PCI for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is a tribute to their unwavering spirit and a celebration of every dream that takes flight. We are honoured to support their journey and to stand by them as they showcase their resilience and determination on a global stage.”
PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said, “We are delighted to see a huge interest from corporates in supporting our athletes, and it truly feels we have come a long way over the years. Our athletes made history in Tokyo with overall 19 medals. We are confident the contingent will perform even better in Paris and make the nation proud. It is an honour to have partnered with AMFI in this endeavour. We welcome them on board as we get ready together to celebrate and cheer our Indian heroes on their quest to conquer Paris.”
IOS Sports & Entertainment founder & managing director Neerav Tomar said “We are elated to support our Paralympics athletes via establishing a partnership between PCI and AMFI. Our Indian para-athletes have already showcased their tremendous skills on the world’s biggest stage, and have achieved numerous laurels and accolades over the years. To further their cause and to play a small role in ensuring their success means the world to us. We are thrilled to be a part of their journey and we wish them the best for the upcoming Games in Paris.”
AMFI together with PCI, honours the courage, perseverance, and unyielding spirit of these athletes, who inspire us all to believe that no dream is too big and no challenge too great. With #EveryDreamWillPlay, we look forward to witnessing history in the making, as our para-athletes show the world the true meaning of resilience and determination.
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.
