News Headline
Collective Newsroom appoints its first chair
Mumbai: The Collective Newsroom (CNR) is to announce the appointment of Amit Jain as the chair of its board of directors. A cross-industry veteran, Jain will lead the newly founded board of CNR, which was launched in April 2024 as an independent Indian-owned media company. CNR is the sole producer and publisher of content for BBC News in India in six Indian Languages and English YouTube.
Jain brings a wealth of global corporate experience with a deep understanding of the Indian, Asian & European markets. His transformational leadership comes from spearheading a range of leadership roles in diverse sectors that include consumer goods, media, and communication.
In his last executive role, Jain was the first Indian to become the Managing Director of L’Oreal India. He successfully led the integration of their digital strategy and paved the way for L’Oreal India’s foray into the luxury and cosmeceuticals market. Post his move from the executive role, in 2023 he has assumed non-executive board positions including the Chairmanship of Sanofi CHC India.
During his stint with Viacom where he was heading the business in Asia, Jain co-created the Viacom 18 joint venture which launched the Colors Television channel in India.
Jain also has more than a decade of experience with Coca-Cola, where he led their businesses across India and Asia.
Amit Jain, Chair of the Board of Directors, Collective Newsroom said, “I am delighted to take up the Chair’s responsibility of this thriving organisation. I have observed the high standards of impactful and insightful content that the Collective Newsroom has been producing for the BBC in India.”
“I will be keen to see the Collective Newsroom build upon its core strengths & expertise for developing more innovative business opportunities, Jain added.”
Collective Newsroom chief executive officer Rupa Jha welcomed the appointment, “Amit’s vast experience across various industries, including the media and his dynamic outlook will certainly help the Collective Newsroom think out of the box and build on our vision. I look forward to working with him.”
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.
