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B4U Music to launch picture messaging service in UK
MUMBAI: The B4U Network is planning to launch picture messaging as a key feature of its successful interactive service on B4U Music in the UK.
With this, the channel becomes the first UK Asian television channel that will enable viewers to text their pictures directly to the B4U Interactive service.
In addition to this, there will be the introduction of a new late night interactive band called Toxic as well as further features that viewers can toy with, from 18 December.
Moreover viewers will still be able to enjoy the existing features of sending their Text Messages (SMS) and Voting For Songs, as well as the introduction of Picture Messaging (MMS), during Vibe, Hum and Toxic.
Toxic has a unique feature that will allow viewers to register their on-screen name, for instance, sanjay99 and this will appear whenever you chat on Toxic. This band will offer viewers the additional opportunity to chat on-screen.
“We are excited to be able to offer our viewers this pioneering Picture Messaging feature of interactivity on B4U Music. The service has been enhanced to offer more fun and I am confident that our viewers will immensely enjoy the new features of this interactive service,” stated B4U CEO Sunil Rohra.
As part of the overall revamp of B4U Interactive, viewers will be able to witness a new look on-air. There will also be the introduction of ‘Topic of the Day’ within Vibe, which will give viewers the opportunity to express their opinion and this will be reflected via an on-screen poll, for instance, ‘Do Asians celebrate Christmas more than their own religious festivals, Yes, No or Maybe?’ The results of which will be broadcast at regular intervals during Vibe.
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.
