News Headline
Colors, Viacom18’s flagship Hindi GEC, is Mumbai Indians’ principal sponsor for IPL 2019
MUMBAI: Viacom18’s flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Colors is all set to make its presence felt in the Indian Premier League 2019 through its brand association with three-time champions Mumbai Indians. Having established itself as the #1 channel in the premiere & urban Hindi category, Colors will be the principal sponsor for the Rohit Sharma-led side. Adding more color-ful hues to their bleed blue spirit, Mumbai Indians will don the Colors logo on the back of their jersey as showcase their mettle at the 12th edition of the IPL scheduled to kickstart on 23 March 2019.
Commenting on the partnership said a spokesperson from Viacom18 said, “Cricket is like a religion in India that brings every member of the family together and so does a leading general entertainment channel like Colors. Therefore, associating with the most popular cricketing team of IPL – Mumbai Indians which enjoys tremendous adulation, is a perfect blend with our brand positioning. Both Colors and Mumbai Indians are consistent, entertaining, ambitious and aggressive and exemplify the same ethos. This is yet another avenue for us to connect with our audiences both on and off the field as well as on-air.”
Setting the tone for the IPL fever, Colors will bring viewers closer to the Mumbai Indians players through a series of innovative integrations and contests on-air as well as through digital engagement.
Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “We are extremely delighted to bring COLORS as the Principle Sponsor for Mumbai Indians and look forward to developing a long term, mutual benefiting association. Through the journey this IPL, Mumbai Indians and COLORS will create consumer-centric entertaining content, which we hope our global fans will appreciate and associate with.”
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.
