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Archana Kanade quits Zee TV UK
MUMBAI: Folks attending MipCom and MipTV were pretty familiar with the petite Archana Kanade. Until she stopped attending the world’s leading TV content markets after being appointed as the business head of Zee Network UK’s free to air channels around three years ago. Now Archana has decided to part ways with Zee after six years with the company. Apparently, the lady is taking up an independent assignment.
She has had a good innings with the network, and was running both Zing and Lamhe (a classic programming channel) in the UK. At the time of her departure, Zing looks healthy ranking as England’s No 1 Brit-Asian Bollywood channel. Archana had the responsibility of localizing programming in the UK and introduced shows such as Brit’s Bollywood, Cloud 9, Grinds My Teeth, and Rock the Vibe.
Says the ever-smiling Archana in a press release issued by the network: “Working with Zee and its initiatives has been a great pleasure. I’ve had the opportunity to work on Zee’s channels at the perfect time when the FTA business was still budding – giving me the chance to turn around the channels for growth, focusing on the gaps in the market. I wish Zee Network continues to do well and reaches even newer heights.”
Adds Zee Network CEO Europe Neeraj Dhingra in the same press release: “Archana’s contribution has been valuable to the progress of the organisation at key points in its history. Her experience of 19 long years in the industry has added to the strength of how the network’s products now stand. Her vigour and vision has been a great asset and I offer her my whole-hearted support in her future ventures.”
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.
