News Headline
BBC Global News ropes in Rahul Sood as south Asia, India MD
MUMBAI: The Beeb has a new Indian boss. In an announcement earlier today, BBC Global News stated that former NDTV India professional Rahul Sood will be taking over as its managing director for India and south Asia, come January 2020. Sood will have responsibility for leading the strategic growth of commercial activities across the business which is the International commercial news, sport and features arm of the BBC.
In fact, a new position has been created for the media vet, reflecting India and the wider region’s position as a key market for BBC Global News. India is BBC News’ largest overseas market, with an audience of over 50 million people. Its India bureau is one of BBC’s largest outside the UK, becoming a video, TV and digital content production hub for the whole of South Asia.
Sood will report to global EVP marketing and distribution Chris Davies and SVP commercial development, Asia and ANZ Alistair McEwan. He will assume management of the commercial sales teams across the region with distribution head Sunil Joshi, and advertising sales director Vishal Bhatnagar, reporting directly to him.
Sood has had experience at NDTV (New Delhi Television Ltd) where, as sales and business development head he successfully launched NDTV channels across linear and digital in over 70 countries. He previously worked for Fox International channels in Singapore, monetising and expanding their south east Asian markets, and started his media career at Turner Broadcasting.
BBC Global News SVP commercial development, Asia & ANZ, Alistair McEwan says: “We are delighted to be welcoming Rahul to the new post of managing director of BBC Global News, India and South Asia. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which is sure to add great value as we continue to realise our significant ambitions in the region, bringing together the expertise of our current teams on the ground.”
Says Sood: “Working for the BBC in the current news environment is a privilege. My goal will be to further develop the BBC’s presence and profit across the region, ensuring audiences across India and South Asia can benefit from the BBC’s impartial, trusted journalism.”
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.
