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Former cricketer Lehmann is South Australia’s special envoy to India
MUMBAI: Former Australian Test cricketer Darren Lehmann is South Australia’s official special envoy to India. South Australia Premier Mike Rann announced the appointment a few days ago at the launch of the South Australian chapter of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC).
Premier Rann says that Darren’s profile in India as a recognised cricketer would be of enormous value to the State’s relationship with India. The AIBC and its chairman Brian Hayes will work closely with Darren and the State Government on a range of India activities.
As far as film and television is concerned more than $2 million worth of production work for Indian feature films and television commercials is the subject of bids by South Australian creative companies. This is the result of the State’s presence at Frames 2005.
The South Australian Government states that it was able to use the event to great advantage – through the SAFC and DTED – to attract some of the top 25 Bollywood film producers to attend and learn about South Australia’s film capability. Mason Films manager Mason Curtis along with Anupam Sharma of Films and Casting Temple had represented the South Australian industry at Frames. They say that some of the Indian producers have expressed their interest in visiting South Australia.
Meanwhile Lehmann will support local businesses looking to export to India, encourage investment by Indian companies into South Australia and promote South Australia and India as mutual tourist destinations. He will promote education opportunities in South Australia for Indian students and work on increasing the numbers of Indian business and skilled migrants. The former batsman will also accompany trade missions to India.
South Australia is also looking at the possibility of organising a celebrity cricket match between South Australia and India.
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.
