News Headline
Acko becomes co-presenting sponsor for Shark Tank India 2
Mumbai: Shark Tank was introduced in 2021 and quickly established itself in the Indian market thanks to an incredible response from advertisers and companies. On 2 January 2023, the show will return for its second season. Brands are increasingly looking for partnerships that are distinctive and deliver direct contact with the audience in the age of impactful marketing and effective advertising. The alliance between Sony LIV and Acko is one such example of a success story.
The show gave aspiring entrepreneurs new opportunities to pursue their dreams. In line with this sentiment, Acko has once again partnered with the platform to recognise the ‘Change Makers,’ who are not only raising the bar for entrepreneurship but also driving change through innovative solutions. This will be incorporated into the show through a special segment in which one outstanding participant will be invited to sign on the “Acko Change Makers Wall” and speak with the host about how their business will change the landscape and solve a specific problem.
This year, representing the ground-breaking start-up ecosystem in the country, are sharks of season 1 – boAt co-founder and chief marketing officer Aman Gupta, Shaadi.com founder and CEO Anupam Mittal, Emcure Pharmaceuticals executive director Namita Thapar, Sugar Cosmetics co-founder and CEO Vineeta Singh, Lenskart.com founder & CEO Peyush Bansal, along with new shark – CarDekho Group, InsuranceDekho.com co-founder and CEO Amit Jain.
Sony LIV ad sales revenue head Ranjana Mangla said, “Our long-standing relationship with Acko has created countless advancements in the M&E business with rich in-content integrations. We have designed a one-of-a-kind contextual segment in-line with Acko’s philosophy of fostering innovation and innovative minds through Shark Tank India 2. We are confident that this integration on Shark Tank India will be relatable and hit the right cords with the audience.”
Acko executive vice president – marketing Ashish Mishra, said, “Shark Tank India has been a game changer in the Indian television space, propelling an entrepreneurial mindset in every household. We see synergies with the audience of the show who are not afraid to experiment with new-age products and solutions. This is our second year of association with Shark Tank India and in line with our proposition of ‘Welcome Change’, this year, Acko will celebrate the ‘Change Makers’, who are driving change through innovative solutions.”
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.
