News Headline
ETV acquires telecast rights of ‘The Great Khali Returns’ series
MUMBAI: Marking the first of its kind deal for a news channel, ETV has bagged the television broadcast rights for The Great Khali Returns series, which is scheduled for 24 February in Haldwani and 28 February in Dehradun.
As per the terms of the deal ETV will not just broadcast the fights live but will also extend promotional support for the series through its entire network.
The Great Khali Returns Series chairman Ranjit Rawat said, “The Great Khali Return series is an endeavour of our Chief Minister to not just further enhance the sporting fervour amongst the youth of our state but also announce the year of sports in Uttarakhand culminating in the National Games in 2018. This deal with ETV will go a long way in furthering this endeavour.”
The two-day fight spectacle, which has been initiated and coordinated by #CM4Youth, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s youth outreach programme in association with the Bhartiya Samajik Sewa Sansthan NGO and OmReels Entertainment gains significance as it would feature The Great Khali fighting on Indian soil for the first time ever.
Furthermore, in addition to featuring 14 international wrestlers, the series has also been designed to offer an ideal platform, at par with any international event of this scale, for an equal number of budding Indian wrestlers.
ETV News Network head Jagdeesh Chandra added, “We are happy to play an integral role in promoting The Great Khali Return Series, as it is a medium to link today’s youth to sports. ETV knows how to unite itself with the region along with working in tandem with the nation. ETV has an outstanding reputation as a link between the government and the society. By airing such events we aim on strengthening our regional content offering and at the same time provide quality services to our viewers.”
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.
