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ESPN launches ‘Beyond the Boardroom’ video series
MUMBAI: Sport-content provider ESPN has announced the launch of a new video series called ‘Beyond the Boardroom’ to showcase stories depicting the powerful role sports has played in the lives of industry leaders and celebrities. The series aims to inspire viewers to explore and pursue their sporting passions. The series will debut on 29 November 2018 and continue week on week.
‘Beyond the Boardroom’ will show the sporting journeys of eight select leaders from different industries pursuing a range of sports, from cycling to cricket, in form of engaging conversations and real-life visuals. The video series will be hosted on ESPN.in and also amplified through ESPN and ESPNcricinfo’s social media handles.
Among leaders who have shared stories of how following their passion for a particular sport has changed their life on ‘Beyond the Boardroom’ are Red Chillies Entertainment CEO Venyky Mysore, Titan Company Limited CEO – Jewellery C.K. Venkataraman, Tourism Australia country manager Nishant Kashikar, Isobar group managing director – south asia Shams Jasani, and DAN Performance Group CEO Vivek Bhargava.
ESPN India director, business development and head of marketing Gaurav Thakur said, “At ESPN, we take great pride in our tradition of honoring inspirational talent, whether on field, off-field or even in the boardroom. ‘Beyond the Boardroom’ is very special because it has real potential for large scale influence, as high-level leaders serve as inspiration to their employees, respective industry members and followers. As these Industry leaders recount their connect with sports and how it made a big impact in their lives, we believe this will become a memorable platform to many and inspire them to pursue their sporting passions in order to enjoy the great energy called ‘sport’.”
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.
