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9X media announces two appointments in programming
MUMBAI: 9X Media has strengthened its programming team by announcing the elevation of Abbas Syed as the VP, programming – 9X Jalwa, and Vishakha Gokhale as associate VP, programming – 9X Jhakaas. This would be in addition to their current roles as VP content acquisition, 9X Media Pvt Ltd (9X Media), and network music head, respectively. Both will report to Amar Tidke, chief programming officer of 9X Media.
Tidke said, “I am sure Abbas and Vishakha will continue with the great innovations on their respective channels and propel them to the next phase of growth. Their focused approach will help the channels to further increase their experience and delight amongst the viewers.”
With over 18 years of experience in strategic partnerships, content acquisition and creation, Abbas has worked across various media and entertainment companies. His association with Channel V, MTV Networks, MySpace India and Vodafone has helped him understand the audience preferences as well as the potential of innovative content created across platforms. He has been spearheading content acquisition across all the five music television channels operated by 9X Media.
Syed said, “My constant endeavour would be to entertain the viewers with content innovations across TV and digital platforms while airing the forever-hits music. Creation, curation and animation would be the prime focus on 9X Jalwa.”
Gokhale has been the network music head at 9X Media since the past two years. She comes with a varied experience of more than 12 years in the music and entertainment space. She was the national music manager at Radio City responsible for programming music across 20 radio stations in Hindi-speaking and South Indian markets. She was successfully heading the network music team across all channels operated by 9X Media.
Gokhale said, “We will focus on the amplification of viewer experiences and engagement across the television and digital platforms. In the next phase of growth for 9X Jhakaas, we will focus on innovative content specially curated for Marathi music fans across.”
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.
