News Headline
ESS rolls out ‘Closeup Dream Job – Harsha Ki Khoj’
MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports has rolled out a unique talent hunt in search for a presenter for the channel in India. The contest, which is basically targeted at sports fanatics who have grit enough to become a commentator – just like Harsha Bhogle.
The winner will be offered a one-year contract with ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd. as a presenter.
Speaking on the initiative, ESPN STAR Sports director of cricket Ray Hume said, “We are looking for just one person, who would be given the chance to commentate along with Wasim Akram, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Harsha himself in a live cricket telecast or present our non-live shows. I am sure, millions of cricket crazy fans from across the world would be interested in this dream job.”
“Bhogle has redefined the way cricket commentary is looked upon as career. We are looking for a candidate who is not only expressive but also knowledgeable, presentable, spontaneous and is ready to leave other things for the love and passion of being a part of ESPN Star Sports,” added Hume.
Bhogle said, “I dreamt of being a commentator but it wasn’t possible to make it a profession then. Today it is. I was always deeply passionate about cricket. When school started, I would look up the league fixtures first; when I was doing engineering I ensured that I had enough time to play for my university. I was lucky that when my break arrived I was ready for it. I really loved what I was doing and that helped me focus on my work rather than on the returns. I am excited as well as proud of being part of ‘Closeup Dream Job – Harsha Ki Khoj’. ESPN Star Sports nation-wide talent hunt is a unique opportunity for any aspiring talent to take center stage and showcase his/her skills as a TV presenter and passion for sports.”
As a part of the first step for ‘Closeup Dream Job – Harsha Ki Khoj’, aspirants can call on a particular number and leave a one-minute commentary piece on an imaginary situation. The one-minute voice commentary will be judged by ESPN Star Sports and selected participants would be invited for auditions at six cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Lucknow, Chennai and Kolkata.
A panel of three judges including Akram, Shastri, Alan Wilkins or Gavaskar and ESPN’s presenter Jason Dasey or Darain Shahidi would be present at each of the cities to adjudicate the winners. Short listed candidates would be invited for the studio auditions in December 2004.
The judges’ panel for the final round include Gavaskar, Geoffrey Boycott, Akram and Shastri. Bhogle will host the studio rounds. ESPN Star Sports will broadcast a 14 episode serial of the talent search starting end November 2004.
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.
