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FreeWheel forge dynamic partnership to accelerate growth of CTV Solutions in India
Mumbai: FreeWheel, a Comcast company and the global technology platform for the television advertising industry, has solidified a strategic partnership with CereOne, one of India’s leading digital media companies, as it seeks to accelerate its presence on the Indian market. As part of this collaboration, FreeWheel will provide CereOne with access to its digital full stack, facilitating seamless onboarding of online video and Connected TV inventory across India’s burgeoning premium video media landscape.
CereOne has, in the last few years, extended its offerings from native-only ads to content marketing, digital out-of-home and premium video. FreeWheel’s digital full stack will offer CereOne unified and holistic decisioning on how to monetize content, curate audiences and ensure brand safety.
“We’re excited to continue to grow into the complex but opportunity-rich Indian premium video market. Adoption of connected devices has grown significantly in the last couple of years in the region. This rapid growth coupled with the rise of international sport events on streaming is bringing exciting new opportunities for media owners to tap into global ad spend,” said Alvin Tan, commercial director, APAC at FreeWheel. “CereOne has a robust regional supply and demand network and we look forward to working with them as they launch their CTV ad offering and augment brand interactions.”
Welcoming the new partnership with FreeWheel, CereOne Media director Deepak Karnani commented, “Aligned with our ambitious expansion strategies, our collaboration with FreeWheel empowers us to meet the growing demand for video ads and CTV in India. This partnership not only bolsters our offerings but also grants our clientele access to the cutting-edge technology that FreeWheel is renowned for worldwide.”
CereOne Media co-founder Harish Patil, highlighted the significance of the partnership with FreeWheel. “Our partnership with FreeWheel and the support of its digital full stack will optimize and consolidate our bouquet of services as we strengthen our CTV offerings in the region,” said Patil.
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.
