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ABP Network announces the departure of CEO Avinash Pandey
Mumbai: Avinash Pandey joined ABP Network in 2005 and over the years held key positions that contributed to making the brand one of the most successful and respected amongst the nation’s broadcasters. In January 2019, Pandey was appointed as the CEO of ABP Network and under his stewardship, ABP Network further diversified into untapped verticals and markets in the broadcast and digital sphere. Pandey had the vision to recognise the potential of going regional and digital with an emphasis on creating premier content to match the expectations of a demanding pan-India audience.
The chief editor & director of the ABP Network Atideb Sarkar, thanked Pandey for his contributions to the ABP Network and said, “I would like to thank Avinash for his immense contributions to ABP Network. During his two decades in the company, it has grown manifold in reach, revenue and impact. His leadership in the past five years has seen us at the forefront of digital broadcasting while extending our reach from Jammu to Kanyakumari. He played a key role in our award-winning centenary campaign. On a personal note, he has been a pleasure to work with, a joyful fellow traveller in my professional journey, and a friend. Thank you, Avinash, for all that you have brought to the ABP family. We wish you success and happiness in your future endeavours.”
Mr. Avinash Pandey said, “I wish to thank the Sarkar Family and Atideb Sarkar, chief editor & director, in particular, for having reposed such faith in me, that I could play a meaningful part in ABP Network’s exhilarating journey of excellence in digital and broadcast. I have found a good friend for life in him. I could achieve all this in 20 years because of an excellent team that surrounded me. I was lucky to meet and work with them and have developed a bonding that’s going to last lifelong.” Pandey added that the ABP Network would always hold a special place in his heart. He added: “One leaves ABP but ABP never leaves an individual.”
As the CEO of ABP Network, Pandey led India’s leading television and digital network with four TV channels running 24×7 on cable and satellite, serving in eight languages on digital, touching a total audience of over 500 million. He is the Founding Director of ABP Studios, which has produced award-winning films and TV series. Mr. Pandey is also currently the President of the International Advertising Association (India Chapter).
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.
