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Disney, NBA to promote reading in China
MUMBAI As a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) China Games 2004, the NBA, DisneyHand which is a worldwide outreach programme and Hong Kong Disneyland will work together to help promote literacy and the importance of reading in Shanghai and Beijing.
The NBA’s Read to Achieve programme and DisneyHand’s Reading Together initiative have teamed up to host Read to Achieve events at primary schools in Shanghai and Beijing during the NBA China Games 2004. As part of the collaboration between Disney and the NBA, Disney Publishing Worldwide which claims to be the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, will donate 1,000 books to each school.
The first Read to Achieve event took place a couple of days ago at the No. 1 Gao’an Road Primary School in Shanghai. This is Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming’s former school. Ming and members of the Houston Rockets joined NBA commissioner David Stern and Disney president and COO Bob Iger
Iger added, “Over the years, Disney has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people around the world, and introducing that special magic to China is truly a historic undertaking. The foundation of our creative success is rooted in Disney’s great heritage of master storytelling — whether in our films, theme parks or books — and we are pleased that we will continue to grow our presence in China, particularly with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland.”
A second Reading Time Out event will be held tomorrow 16 October at the Beijing Experimental Primary School. Players from the Sacramento Kings, along with Disney Media Networks co-chairman and ESPN president George Bodenheimer, NBA commissioner David Stern, WNBA stars Diana Taurasi and Ruth Riley, and Chinese Government Officials will participate.
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.
