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360 Degrees to produce International Film FestivaI of India in Goa
MUMBAI: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has announced an association with 360 Degrees – the events and entertainment division of Times Infotainment Media (TIML). 360 Degress will produce the 35th International Film Festival of India in Goa from 29 November to 9 December 2004.
IFFI, Goa – 2004 Nodal Officr and Entertainment Society of Goa CEO Sanjit Rodrigues said, “IFFI is the most awaited film festival in India and also internationally. Our associated partners, 360 Degrees and Ipan are leaders in their respective industries and their expertise will pay a pivotal role in making the 35th IFFI a grand success. We are extremely delighted and look forward to work with the industry stalwarts.”
360 Degrees has chosen Lowe as the partner ad agency for the 35th edition of the IFFI. Lowe national creative director R. Balakrishnan (Balki) said, “Why is IFFI so important? Because it is the film festival that represents a land that produces the maximum number of films around the world. It is the international festival that represents a land that lives and breathes films.
“IFFI has to become far more important than Berlin, Venice or Cannes to do justice to the land it represents. It must be considered by the world as the most important film festival. IFFI, over the years has evolved, and this year its decision to have it in Goa is one more step to signal to world that they must be here. We at D Cell are really proud to be the design consultants to the event.”
TIML MD and CEO AP Parigi said, “India has the largest film industry of the world. IFFI is one of the most widely acclaimed film festivals in India and we are proud to be associated with such a mega-event. Our expertise lies in handling large format events and we will ensure that IFFI Goa 2004 will be a truly memorable experience for delegates and the people of Goa.”
A wide array of events such as beach screenings, live music shows, animating the newly constructed promenade next to the Mandovi river with Stilt walkers, fire eaters, jazz shows, palmists, kite festival and a vintage car rally have been planned around the film festival. They will give a festive look to Panjim city.
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.
