News Headline
2 PILs filed in Delhi HC against ‘India Shining’ campaign
MUMBAI: The government’s ‘India Shining’ advertising juggernaut may have just hit a roadblock. Opponents of the campaign on Wednesday filed two separate two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on it and a direction to the Centre to submit a “full and proper” statement of accounts on the funds spent on it.
The two PILs, filed by Unemployed Youth Unity Movement (what’s that pray?) and advocate Chanchal Thakur, alleged that the campaign was being “used” by the ruling party to project its image ahead of elections, PTI has reported.
A division bench of Justice BC Patel and Justice BD Ahmed has asked the Election Commission (EC) to place the relevant material before it and posted the matter for hearing on 3 March.
The move came even as the Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lambasted the EC for recent adverse comments it made on the campaign and accused it of “acting to please somebody.”
The BJP’s state general secretary H Raja was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, “The Election Commission has no business to talk about this matter as there is no violation of code. Let them take action if they can.”
Claiming that the India Shining advertisements were not being used as a prelude to election campaign, Raja said the ads will be stopped once the code of conduct comes into force.
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.
