News Headline
Alpha Bangla celebrates Bangla music festival
MUMBAI: Alpha Bangla gifted to its viewers a musical extravaganza, Dui Bangla Simanaheen on 26 December. The musical show had artists playing from the two Banglas (West Bengal & Bangladesh) thus breaking all shackles of earthly barriers and bringing people closer to each other.
The show started with a mind-blowing performance by Tanmoy Bose and his band Taal Tantra. The most interesting part of Taal Tantra was a ‘jugal-bandi’ between a dhak (a traditional bengali drum) and an African thumba. Next on stage was the Princess of Rabindra-sangeet Indrani Sen. Her melodious voice left the viewers dumbstruck and swaying, Informs a company release.
Speaking on this occasion, Alpha bangle head J.K.Ray says, “The overwhelming response to this event is encouraging for us to come forth with more of these events. We feel entertaining our viewers by encouraging Bangla talent serves a stronger purpose than mere entertainment. This is the reason why we as a channel, seek greater involvement of our viewers.”
The artists of Bangladesh did steal part of the show. Abdul Quddus Boati came on to the stage, in traditional Baul attire and set feet tapping with his traditional yet contemporary folk songs. The next artist was the folk maestro from West Bengal… the one and only Swapan Basu, who left audiences awestruck by his passionate rendition of “Sunecho Nandalal…” which he sang in two different voices.
The next two artists were perhaps the most awaited ones of the evening. Baby Nazneen who’s popularly known as Black Diamond in Bangladesh did justice to her title. Last but not the least, James with his band Nagar Baul came on stage. His Bengali trance left the audience high on their seats, adds the release.
The SMS contest that Alpha Bangla had organised for its viewers on the theme Dui Bangla Simanaheen got tremendous response and pulled a crowd of more than 3000 to watch the show, claims the channel.
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.
