News Headline
DBS Bank India hosts exclusive Badminton event at Bombay Gymkhana
MUMBAI: DBS Bank India offered its customers and select members of Bombay Gymkhana a unique badminton experience with some of the nation’s top players. The exclusive event, held at the iconic sports club in Mumbai, featured stars Lakshya Sen, Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Treesa Jolly, and Gayatri Gopichand.
Attendees enjoyed a special meet-and-greet session, a 15-minute game on the Gymkhana’s badminton court, followed by lunch and a personalised photo opportunity with their favourite player. A two-hour interactive session was also held for Gymkhana members and their children, making it a memorable day of sportsmanship.
Sen, who made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the semi-finals, headlined the event. The rising star holds titles including the India Open, Canada Open, and a silver medal at the 2022 All England Championships.
Joining him were Jolly and Gopichand, the world No. nine women’s doubles pair, who played a key role in India’s gold-medal win at the 2024 Asia Team Championships. Also present were Shetty and Rankireddy, Khel Ratna awardees and former world No. one, known for their historic triumphs at the Asian Games and Super Series events.
DBS Bank India managing director & head of group strategic marketing & communications Azmat Habibulla said, “We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to redefine customer engagement by curating exceptional, memorable experiences. This exclusive event embodies our brand promise, ‘Live more, Bank less,’ offering a unique opportunity to connect with India’s top badminton stars.”
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.
