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8,000 kids joined in for Nick’s Worldwide day of play
MUMBAI: ‘Let’s Just Play’ an initiative by Nick, encouraged the kids to get out and play the whole day with the event Worldwide Day of Play, on 2 October.
On the Worldwide Day of Play, the the kids’ channel channel, went “dark”, from 3 PM to 4 pm, pre-empting regular programming to air ‘Play’ messages, to encourage kids to switch off their televisions and go out and play.
The campaign culminated in large-scale-on ground events in countries like like India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Philippines.
A day of Nick-style fun and activities took place throughout the day at Essel World in Mumbai (where Nick star Jimmy Neutron made an appearance), at Appu Ghar in Delhi, Nicco Park in Kolkata and at the Megabowl in Bangalore, notes the company release.
The school contact programme which was active from mid-August 2004 till the end of September culminated in the Worldwide Day of Play. About half a million children in 400 schools in four cities Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata- simultaneously were targeted.
Nick representatives knocked on the schools’ doors for something that is inherently a part of children’s overall development – playing, informs the official release.
Nick business and operations, Pradeep Hejmadi, noted the day as success adds, “Its as simple as this: we believe that what’s good for kids is good for Nick!, ” statement noted in the official release.
Apart from the various rides and play areas at the venues, there was a separate Nick Play Area where Nick representatives conducted innovative games and gave away attractive prizes. To help ensure that play becomes a regular part of their lives, all children were asked to take a pledge – that they will ‘never stop playing’. Kids also received ‘official player of a lifetime’ certificates from Nick.
The games played were different and creative to show that it is really easy for kids to play and that they needn’t rely only on TV, video games and computers for entertainment. Games like Nick Relay and Nick Cricket, played in badminton style, were played, making it a real fun day for kids. As part of the activities of the day, children were also asked to create and participate in their own games.
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.
