News Headline
KKR tees off eighth Knight Golf with #ShahoshiRani tribute to India’s bravest women
MUMBAI: The Kolkata Knight Riders aren’t just swinging for boundaries anymore-they’re swinging for social impact. The defending Tata IPL champions launched the #ShahoshiRani initiative at The Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC), blending cricket, courage and community in the eighth edition of their Knight Golf event.
#ShahoshiRani, or ‘Brave Queen’, salutes Indian women who have faced adversity with unmatched grit. The initiative celebrated real-life heroines whose stories echo KKR’s own battle cry: “Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo”.
The programme features three pillars: Play It Forward, Skill Up For Equality, and the Vidushee Programme. These cover upskilling women in tailoring and beauty services, running sports and mental wellness programmes for girls in rural areas and rehabilitation homes, and training tribal women as educators in remote regions.
“The #ShahoshiRani initiative exemplifies KKR’s values beyond cricket. By celebrating these remarkable women alongside Knight Golf, we’re reinforcing our commitment to meaningful social change,” said KKR CEO Venky Mysore.
CMO Binda Dey added, “This initiative embodies the strength, hope, and resilience we witness in women daily. Through #ShahoshiRani and events like Knight Golf, we leverage sports and storytelling to generate meaningful community impact.”
Mullen Lintas CCO Ram Cobain explained the campaign’s genesis, “When we heard the inspiring stories of these young girls and women, their bravery and never-give-up attitude stood out. If KKR’s men are ‘Knights’ in the game, these girls and women are the true ‘Queens’ in real life.”
Corporate support came from principal donor Sugam Homes, associate partner Hedonne, and apparel partner Athletic Drive. All proceeds from Knight Golf will go to the Meer Foundation and allied efforts aimed at uplifting women facing hardship.
With cricket in one hand and compassion in the other, KKR served a timely reminder that heroes don’t just wear jerseys—some wear courage like a crown.
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.
