Brands
Zee 24 Taas launches ‘Fakt Ladh Mhana’ to protect education of flood-hit kids
MUMBAI: When the floods washed away crops, Zee 24 Taas stepped in to save futures. Maharashtra’s most trusted news channel has launched a powerful campaign, Fakt Ladh Mhana, to ensure that children of flood-affected farmers in Marathwada don’t lose their right to education.
The recent floods devastated the region, destroying acres of soybean and cotton crops and crippling families’ ability to pay for rent, mess, or tuition fees. For hundreds of students studying in cities like Pune and Mumbai, the tragedy threatened to cut short their education and with it, their dreams of lifting their families out of poverty.
Recognising the gap, Zee 24 Taas created a transparent, direct-aid model: the campaign shares the personal journeys of over 400 identified students, broadcasting their stories in prime time along with their bank and Google Pay details live on air. This allows viewers to contribute directly, ensuring every rupee reaches the student without delay.
The impact was immediate. Within just three hours of their stories airing, students Mahesh Jadhav (Nanded) and Mahesh Mate (Beed) received nearly Rs 50,000 each from generous viewers. The funds covered their urgent rent, food, and education expenses, with both pledging to help fellow students if donations exceeded their needs.
“Education is the strongest weapon of empowerment,” said Zee 24 Taas editor Kamlesh Sutar. “Through Fakt Ladh Mhana, we are not only reporting hardships but creating solutions by connecting citizens directly with students.”*
Echoing the vision, ZMCL CEO Karan Abhishek Singh added, “Our role as media goes beyond reporting. With this campaign, journalism becomes a bridge of hope, mobilising communities for real change.”
By spotlighting two to three fresh cases daily, Fakt Ladh Mhana is designed as a sustained movement, a rallying cry to citizens across Maharashtra to stand up for education.
Because when young minds are safeguarded today, a resilient tomorrow is built for all.
Brands
Mahesh Samat steps down from The Walt Disney Company after 9 years
Veteran executive closes four-decade career spanning Disney, J&J and Epic
MUMBAI: Mahesh Samat has stepped down from The Walt Disney Company, bringing the curtain down on a career that has spanned four decades across FMCG, healthcare, media and entertainment.
In a personal note marking the milestone, Samat said, “After 40 years, I’m calling it a day,” reflecting on a journey that saw him build brands, launch businesses and lead teams across multiple geographies.
Samat spent over nine years at Disney in senior leadership roles, most recently serving as global head of publishing and branded retail. Prior to that, he held positions including EVP, consumer, games and publishing for APAC, and managing director for India, playing a key role in expanding the company’s regional footprint.
Before rejoining Disney in 2016, he founded and led Epic Television Networks, where he helped shape a distinct content-led television brand in India.
His earlier career included leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, where he served as managing director for Southern Europe in vision care and vice-president for Asia-Pacific, underscoring his cross-sector experience.
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Samat’s career has been marked by a mix of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial ventures across markets including India, Singapore, the UK and Europe.
Reflecting on his journey, Samat emphasised that beyond titles and milestones, it was the people and relationships that defined his career. As he signs off, his exit marks the close of a long and varied innings in India’s corporate and media landscape.
