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Casbaa to hold Satellite Forum on 28 Oct in HK
MUMBAI: The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) has announced that the third annual Casbaa Satellite Industry Forum will be held on 28 October 2003, in Hong Kong. The forum will be a curtain raiser to the Casbaa 2003 Convention which runs from 29-31October.
The conference is themed “Why Satellite: Customers, Services, Profits” and will comprise sessions that cover issues for telecom customers, special needs of regional and domestic broadcasters, new applications and ideas, and how to finance new projects, states an official release. The day will wrap up with a high-powered CEO Forum on “Keeping the Customer Satisfied”, the release adds.
Confirmed speakers include CEO’s and senior representatives from companies in Asia, North America and Europe including Asiasat, ASTRO, Sony India, ESPN STAR sports, Shin Satellite and Boeing Capital.
“This is an exciting and challenging time for the Asian satellite business. We have turned to the experts for the third year running to give us guidance on the issues that face all the players. This will be fun as well as informative.” Casbaa CEO Simon Twiston Davies is quoted as saying in the release.
The forum which offers excellent opportunities for sponsors, has already attracted early signings from ABN Amro, Americom Asia-Pacific, Arianespace, Marsh Space Projects and RR Satellite, the release adds.
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.
