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CBS Television creates diversity institute
LOS ANGELES: As part of CBS’ ongoing commitment to diversity, the broadcaster’s chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves has announced the formation of the CBS diversity institute.
Through this, the broadcaster has added two additional comprehensive network programmes designed to identify and develop diversity within the writing and directing community. The CBS Diversity Institute combines three programmes which are the CBS Writers Mentoring Programme, the new CBS Directing Initiative and the ongoing Minority Talent Showcases. In India, its shows The Guardian and Early Edition air on Hallmark.
Moonves has been quoted in an official release saying, “The establishment of the diversity institute is an important step forward in CBS’ ongoing effort to develop talent as diverse as our audience. At CBS, we believe diversity is good business. Expanding and institutionalising our programmes to identify and nurture diverse talent, in front of and behind the camera, has meaningful benefits for the artists, for our programming and for all our key constituents.”
The release informs that the purpose of the institute is to empower emerging minority writers through education and access that will enable them to develop the networking skills and relationships necessary to achieve success. This includes regular, ongoing opportunities to meet and interact with Network show-runners, executives and agents; a one-on-one relationship with a Network executive who will mentor the participant through the programme. Personal support will be provided in developing and following through a rigorous “action plan,” and the development and growth of a close-knit peer support group.
The CBS directing initiative is designed to facilitate direct, professional, on-set interaction and enhanced networking opportunities for aspiring minority directors. The programme will match participants who show promise with directors of CBS Television Network drama and comedy series. The goal is to bridge the gap for those talented directors trying to break into network television. Individual series directors will mentor candidates during the process of prep, production and post-production.
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.
