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Sri Adhikari Brothers to announce winners of migrant talent recognition programme ‘Hunar’ from 21 July
MUMBAI: Recently, Sri Adhikari Brothers, through an innovative programme called Hunar had opened a gateway of employment to the less fortunate migrants, who have been rendered jobless, were deprived of opportunities, and were forced to return to their villages.
The programme, which was designed to facilitate skilled migrants with job opportunities by transferring skills and promoting innovation will announce its winners starting from today, 21 July.
To make the programme a success, Sri Adhikari Brothers used their channels Mastiii, Dabangg and MaiBoli along with their digital platforms to call out millions of migrants who might have any talent that they would want to showcase. Be it dancing, singing, acting or any other performing arts, all were welcome.
Hunar promises a direct bank transfer to up to a thousand accounts every month whose talent is chosen to be the deserving one. Sri Adhikari Brothers, through its association, would further attempt to maximise growth for the talent by providing them with a break in suitable professional opportunities.
The programme received an unprecedented response wherein a huge number of migrants sent in their videos. On seeing the widespread talent of the nation, Sri Adhikari Brothers MD and group vice chairman Markand Adhikari said, “My vision is to design a structure for the migrants that give them hope, provides them with employment and belief in themselves to be Aatma Nirbhar by reaching out to millions of Indians in a planned manner.”
“I am amazed to see the kind of talent that is hidden within the deep interiors of the country. Though dozens of talent shows have been organised in the past which did an incredible job in exploring hidden talent and giving them opportunities to outshine, several migrants could not get a chance to showcase their skills in these shows, probably because they were occupied with ongoing engagements and occupation. However, during the crisis when they need a helping hand the most, I hope that we can be a catalyst, not just for some income but also to help them build a career basis their talent over a while,” he added.
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.
