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AXN celebrates 50th anniversary of ‘Guinness World Records’
MUMBAI: AXN – the action and adventure oriented channel celebrates the 50th anniversary of the The Guinness World Records. Starting this Wednesday, 20 July at 9 pm, AXN premieres a two part series of 50 Years, 50 Records, a death defying, awe-inspiring show.
The Guinness World Records has shared a long history with India. In the early eighties’ was when it aired in India for the first time. From Shridhar Chillal who, till very recently held the record for the world’s longest fingernails to the man who ate light bulbs just to win a place in the Guinness World Records. 50 years, 50 records chronicles the years gone by and the awards that have been broken as well as held. The show also explains metaphorically the changes and evolution and even in some cases inertia of society and culture.
Filmed live in front of an audience of record holders, the Guinness World records come to life with 32 naked people experiencing forces of 4G when they bare all on a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride and marvel as the world’s finest precision driver Russ Swift risks blackout performing ‘donuts’ in a supercar.
Says AXN director sales and marketing Rohit Bhandari says, “AXN is a brand that always strives to give the best to its viewers. The number of Indians who have made their way into the book gives evidence of the sheer determination and grit of Indian people. The Guinness World Records have always enjoyed success in India and we are celebrating its 50th anniversary with the two part series of 50 Years, 50 Records.”
The show will showcase the old records as well as the new avatar of records that have been broken.
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.
