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Discovery appoints Arthur Bastings as DNAP president and MD
MUMBAI: Discovery Networks International (DNI) has appointed Arthur Bastings as Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) president and managing director, effective 1 September, 2015. He will report to DNI president Jean-Briac Perrette.
As part of the new role, Bastings will be responsible for setting the regional strategy and maximising the potential of DNAP’s business and workforce to accelerate the company’s expansion. He will be based out of the Singapore office. Bastings’ remit will include fortifying DNAP’s sports offering and leading strategies in the region, in partnership with Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton.
“The Asia Pacific region encompasses two thirds of the world’s population and thus represents one of the biggest growth opportunities for our company. Arthur has a remarkable combination of experience in Asia, strong strategic thinking, and a proven track record of growth and building strong teams. His deep knowledge of Discovery and familiarity with the Asia market will give him a great head start in accelerating DNAP’s expansion,” said Perrette.
Bastings joins DNAP from Millicom, an international telecommunications and media company, where he was a member of the executive committee responsible for Africa and Financial Services, focusing on mobile and information and communications technology convergence. He brings over 20 years’ experience working in the TV and media business, including several years leading strategy and business development for Viacom across Asia. Bastings also previously spent six years as executive vice president and managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Discovery. Under his leadership, Discovery’s EMEA business transformed by doubling audiences and generating exceptional organic growth that resulted in one of the fastest growing and largest pay TV businesses in the region.
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.
