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AP Parigi steps down as Network18 group CEO; moved to advisory role
MUMBAI: Network18 Group CEO AP Parigi will be stepping down from his post and move into an advisory role in the group with effect from 1 October, 2015.
In his new role, he will be adviser to Network18 chairman Adil Zainulbhai.
It may be recalled that Parigi was appointed as group CEO of the company only in January this year. Parigi was brought on board Network18 after B Sai Kumar quit as the company’s group CEO in May last year. Post that, the company witnessed a major manpower drain when Mukesh Ambani helmed Reliance Industries picked up a majority stake in it.
While the company did not cite any reason for moving Parigi from his current role after a stint of less than eight months, the development does comes in the wake of Network18 appointing former Economic Times editorial director Rahul Joshi as CEO of news and group editor-in-chief. Incidentally, Joshi is slated to take over his new position in just a few days on 28 September, 2015.
Thanking Parigi for his contribution, Zainulbhai said, “Parigi has strengthened the management team and helped stabilise the operations of the company. This has put Network18 on a sound footing for future growth. I look forward to his continued support in the new role.”
Parigi added, “I wish to thank Adil and the Board of Directors of Network18 for the opportunity to be a part of the transition team at Network18.”
In his professional stint spanning almost four decades, Parigi was ENIL (Radio Mirchi) managing director and CEO. He also had a brief stint with Eros International Media as MD and CEO.
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.
