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BIG Ganga brings multi-celebrity offering ‘Ganga Deewali Carnival’
MUMBAI: When it comes to celebrating the biggest festivals in the country, BIG Ganga makes sure to do it in grand style. Continuing its legacy of festive offerings and adding to the highly-appreciated Ding Dong Dandiya show during Navratri, the channel has announced Ganga Deewali Carnival. The four-day multi-entertainment, multi-celebrity celebration will start from 11 November and culminate on 14 November.
Featuring fan-favourite singers, performers and comedians like Sonalika Prasad, Payas Pandit, Mohan Rathore, Mamta Raut, Tripti Sakya and others, the one-hour multi-entertainment show appeals to all age groups as they ring in the festivities with their friends and loved ones at home. The four-day fiesta will feature four fantastic themes in the form of DJ Dhamaka, Suron Ka Pataka, Comedy Bomb and Diwali Bumper Dhamaka.
ZeeL cluster head east Samrat Ghosh said, “We are more than happy to ensure that the festivities continue around the year and keep the joyous mood alive taking into account that our viewers can’t celebrate these auspicious occasions outdoors. By keeping these offerings solely family-oriented, we continue to provide a wholesome viewing experience. In addition, the Deewali Carnival offers an opportunity for advertisers to leverage the opportunity to strengthen their bond with consumers on another level.”
BIG Ganga and Zee Biskope business head Amarpreet Singh Saini said, “With the Ganga Deewali Carnival, the Bhojpuri industry shall witness a multi-entertainment, multi-celebrity series around Diwali for the very first time in this category. Each festival brings with it a different flavour that enables us to push our boundaries by expanding our robust entertainment bouquet.”
BIG Ganga has constantly raised the bar of entertainment for its viewers through its varied offerings while ensuring they all are a part of the celebrations and festivals that matter to them. Taking forward the legacy, the channel is all set for a month-long category-first festive line-up with Chhathi Ghate Ganga and Jai Chhathi Mayi in November.
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.
