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Mayank Dayal joins Gujarat Titans as marketing head
MUMBAI: From marketing TV sports channels to building a cricket franchise team. That’s the leap that Mayank Dayal has taken. Dayal has been hired as marketing head at Gujarat Titans. He brings over two decades of strategic marketing experience across major media and sports brands, including Sony Pictures Networks India, Viacom18, and Star India.
In his new role, Dayal will lead brand growth and fan engagement strategies, driving innovative marketing initiatives to strengthen Gujarat Titans’ identity both on and off the field. He will oversee content development, partnerships, social media expansion, and matchday experiences.
Previously, Dayal served as sports marketing head at Sony Pictures Networks, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s footprint. His tenure at Viacom18 saw successful campaigns for Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, while at Star India, he developed brand integration strategies for key advertisers.
Dayal’s extensive expertise and innovative vision are expected to propel Gujarat Titans’ ambitions to become one of the most engaging and entertaining franchises in the IPL ecosystem. Said he: “I’m beyond excited to step into my next adventure—leading marketing for Gujarat Titans. This isn’t just a role for me; it’s a dream opportunity. To be at the heart of the business side of sport, in a sport I have loved and played, is an exhilarating challenge. And in cricket, there is no bigger stage than the IPL.”
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.
