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Casbaa to sponsor Emmies’ regional voting
HONG KONG: The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa) has announced it will be sponsoring the 2002 International Emmy Awards regional voting in Hong Kong for the Asian movies and mini-series category. This category, judged in Hong Kong, attracted 14 semi-finalists from across Asia and was reflected in similar voting in London, Paris and Miami.
Hosted by Casbaa-member company Media Financial Services (MFS) and supported by Casbaa member Bloomberg Television, the International Emmys event is organised by the International Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The 2002 final Awards will be made in November at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, an official release says.
“The objective of stimulating quality local programming is one of the highest priorities on the Casbaa agenda,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO, Casbaa. “This has been a great opportunity to work with a global body dedicated to promoting the highest standards for TV production. We are certainly proud that our organization has been invited to help select and supply judges for this prestigious event.”
Among Casbaa member companies sitting on the judging panel were I-Cable, Star Group, TVBI, APV, Walt Disney International and Columbia Tristar Asia Pacific. Bloomberg Television in Hong Kong supplied the venue for the Hong Kong round of judging, while MFS acted as the official host.
“This is a very important milestone for the development of television in Asia and we are delighted to be working with Casbaa on this project and hope to work them in future years,” said Michael Spiessbach, chairman of MFS.
“We are very pleased to partner with CASBAA in what we hope is the first of many projects we initiate in Asia,” said MJ Sorenson, director of marketing and communications for the International Council. “CASBAA’s high level membership is important for us as we are seeking to grow an Asian base of broadcasters, producers and distributors.”
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.
