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A.R. Rahman to serenade the Ganga in Varanasi
MUMBAI: The Ganga is set to hum to a new tune this November, one composed by none other than A.R. Rahman. On 29 November, NDTV Good Times will host Harmony by the Ganga at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, where the maestro’s melodies will meet the river’s timeless rhythm.
Performing in Varanasi for the very first time, Rahman will bring his signature fusion of classical roots and contemporary sound to India’s oldest living city. The evening promises to be a spiritual symphony, where ragas, reverence and Rahman’s genius flow together in perfect harmony.
Joining him on stage will be Jhalaa, a band handpicked by the composer himself. Their collaboration will create a musical bridge between tradition and modernity, filling the ghats with notes that echo long after the final chord fades.
Preparations at Namo Ghat are already in full swing, with a grand stage, cutting-edge sound design and lights choreographed to complement the sacred setting. Every detail is being fine-tuned to ensure the night feels as immersive as the music itself.
The event follows NDTV Good Times’ much-lauded Sonu Nigam by Dal Lake concert in Srinagar, which revived large-scale cultural celebrations in the Valley. With Harmony by the Ganga, the channel continues its journey of crafting landmark musical moments that unite art, heritage and emotion.
When Rahman’s notes rise over the Ganga’s gentle flow, Varanasi will witness not just a concert, but a confluence of sound, soul and centuries of tradition.
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.
