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Discovery Networks International appoints vice-president of new media
NEW DELHI: Discovery Networks International (DNI), a programming and distribution division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI), today announced the appointment of Tanya Field to the newly created post of vice-president, new media, DNI.
Based in London, Field is responsible for the co-ordination of the company’s international interactive businesses, including websites, e-commerce, mobile, interactive TV and broadband. Field has served as director of new media for Discovery’s European operations since 2000. Rick Rodriguez, executive vice-president of content for Discovery Networks International, to whom Field will report, made the announcement.
“Discovery’s family of nonfiction brands represent a continually evolving universe of experiences that help connect people to the world around them, in multiple ways,” an official release quoted Rodriguez as saying. “Tanya’s wealth of experience with new media development will play an integral role in ensuring that our services are on the leading edge of innovation wherever our brands touch consumers lives.”
Field’s new media team based in Singapore, London and Miami are responsible for creative direction and implementation of new applications and services that support Discovery’s brands in the local market and around the world. Activities support key programming and the core genres of Discovery’s varied brands.
In her role as director of new media for Discovery Networks, Europe, Field was responsible for launching Discovery’s first international interactive application with Discovery Today in the UK. She also established Discovery’s current European websites and has subsequently overseen the launch of new websites in Asia and India. Prior to joining Discovery, Field was GM of BskyB Gaming, a full service interactive media division.
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.
