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Network18 digital strengthens its technology squad appoints Pandurang Nayak as chief technology officer
MUMBAI: Network18, India’s most diversified media conglomerate today announced the appointment of Pandurang Nayak as Chief Technology Officer of its digital arm, Network18 Digital. The entity is among the largest multi-platform destinations for objective breaking news, opinions, financial data and infotainment for the evolved digital news consumer and houses assets such as moneycontrol, firstpost, cnbctv18.com, in.com, CricketNext and news18.
With over 20 years of experience in building technology-led enterprises, consumer products and solutions, Pandurang has held leadership positions at Cognizant, Microsoft, Times Internet and Fork Media. He joins Network18 Digital from Fork Media where he was the Chief Operating & Technology Officer. Pandurang is a qualified engineer.
Network18 Digital is constantly seeding new ideas to be the dominant force in the digital news space. Pandurang joins the organization at a time when cutting-edge technology, data science, AI and other advances in technology are enabling publishers to evolve and drive the creation and delivery of content. With ever increasing focus on technology, Network18 Digital has scaled up the reach of its content at a fast pace. Its news offering under News18 umbrella is available in 11 languages. Its flagship business and finance app moneycontrol is ranked as Asia’s number 1. Properties like Firstpost and CricketNext are leaders in their respective space. During the past one year, the group launched cnbctv18.com and in.com to strengthen its position as an all-rounder in digital news space. Pandurang will focus on building a strong team that will leverage tech innovations and trends across products and content.
Talking about his appointment, Pandurang said, “I am delighted to be a part of this Network. Network18 Digital’s family legacy and its international partnerships gives it access to the most exhaustive and trusted content from across India and around the world in multiple flavors, languages and subject genres. The group houses the strongest digital brands that have a deep user connect. I feel that in an ever-changing world with evolving consumer behaviour, publishers face unique challenges in engaging with these consumers. Being a technologist, I see this as a great opportunity to tap.”
Pandurang will report to Puneet Singhvi, Head – Network18 Digital and will be based in Mumbai.
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.
