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Blackberrys partners with the Paralympic Committee of India as the “Official Ceremonial Partner”
Mumbai: Blackberrys, an aspirational Indian menswear brand that caters to the fashion needs of the global Indian, has joined hands with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the “Official Ceremonial Partner” for the upcoming fourth Asian Para Games to be held in Hangzhou, China later this month.
As part of this collaboration, the iconic Indian clothing brand known for the impeccable quality of its innovative, stylish, and sharp-fitting range, will dress Paralympic athletes and representatives of India travelling to China for the championship scheduled between 22 and 28 Oct 2023.
In a glorious press meet on the sendoff ceremony held in the capital city, Blackberrys unveiled and handed over the official ceremonial suit to the attending athletes Parul D Parmar (Para Badminton) and Amit Saroha (Para Discus and Club throw) and PCI delegates. Among the dignitaries who graced the event were Chef de Mission Gursharan Singh, Para Athletics chairperson Satyanarayana, Blackberrys co-founder and director Nikhil Mohan; Blackberrys VP- brand experience Rajesh Sethuraman; Blackberrys general manager – supply chain Praveen Gupta and para-athletes Parul D Parmar (Para Badminton) and Amit Saroha (Para Discus and Club throw).
“Embracing the inspirational ethos of ‘Keep Rising,’ Blackberrys takes immense pride in its partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the ‘Official Ceremonial Partner’ for the 4th Asian Para Games. Our brand’s essence mirrors the unwavering spirit of para-athletes who consistently shatter boundaries and overcome the odds. Crafting the ceremonial suit for the Indian contingent is a moment of profound aspiration. We are fervently committed to celebrating the extraordinary journey of these athletes, who epitomize the triumph of determination and resilience. With every stitch, we weave a symbol of strength, style, and achievement, inspiring Team India’s path to glory”, said Blackberrys co-founder & director Nikhil Mohan.
The ceremonial suit designed and meticulously constructed by Blackberrys showcases India’s monogram blending fashion and functionality.
Paralympic Committee of India secretary-general Gursharan Singh stated, ”Our primary mission at the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is to foster inclusivity and excellence in para-sports. Aligned with Blackberrys’ ethos of ‘Keep Rising,’ this partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to determination, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It encapsulates our unwavering belief in the potential of our para-athletes and mirrors Blackberrys’ inspiration for individuals to ‘Keep Rising’ through their product innovation and fit. This successful collaboration symbolizes our collective dedication to the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement, inspiring Team India to triumph at the Asian Para Games”.
Team India will be participating in 17 sports of the 4th Asian Para Games. The Indian contingent will compete in a range of categories, including archery, athletics, badminton, blind football, boccia, canoe, chess, cycling, judo, lawn ball, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and wheelchair fencing.
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.
