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SPN India telecasting Rio para-athletes strive for excellence
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has further cemented its commitment towards the cause of games with the acquisition of the broadcast and digital broadcast rights of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
As a continuation of its endeavour to support India’s sports talent, SPN will showcase regular updates and highlights of the Indian contingent’s performance at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on Sony SIX and Sony ESPN channels as well on its digital platform SonyLIV. The telecast has begun and will continue till 19 September, 2016.
SPN will telecast the highlights of the day sessions and night sessions in two separate 60-minute capsules.
Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, governed by the International Paralympic Committee is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Adding on to the massive level of interest, India is represented by its largest-ever contingent of 19 Indian athletes that will compete across 10 disciplines. Viewers will get a chance watch and support the Indian para-athletes strive for sporting excellence.
SPN Sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “The sports cluster of SPN has continued to show its support to the cause of differently-abled sports in India”.
“India is proudly rooting for the 19 para-athletes who are in Rio right now and there is an increasing public interest to watch how they perform at this International event. We will telecast the highlights of both sessions so that viewers can watch a round-up of the Paralympian’s performance.”
“Ek India Happywala” is the theme under the aegis of which SPN runs its CSR programme. It focusses on creating a positive impact in our ecosystem and is built on three pillars: empowerment, education and environment.
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.
