News Headline
Ganga Kinare Music Festival to telecast on Zee News
Mumbai: Gear up for a night of cultural euphoria on 30 December at 10 pm, when Zee News illuminates screens with the radiant Ganga Kinare Music Festival, promising a symphony of enchantment!
Varanasi recently witnessed the grandeur of the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, a collaborative masterpiece orchestrated by Zee Media and Havas Play presented by Aditya Birla Hindalco. Led by Padma Shri Kailash Kher and Pratibha Singh Baghel, this dynamic duo transcended mere entertainment, creating a fusion of cultural magnificence. Aligned with the ‘Namami Gange Programme’ endorsed by the United Nations, the festival fostered a vibrant community of river enthusiasts and contributed to the broader mission of environmental conservation.
Beyond mere entertainment, this cultural extravaganza is a heartfelt celebration of Varanasi’s spirit and a collective pledge to safeguard the sanctity of the holy river Ganga. The event honoured individuals, including classical singer Padma Vibhushan Pandit Channu Lal Mishra, Dr Kulpati Tiwari, mahant of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Vishambhar Nath Mishra, Mahant of Sankat Mochan Mandir, and Padma Shri awardee Rajeshwar Acharya. The celebration of the legacy of Indian classical music extended to the felicitation of Nasir Abbas Bismillah Khan, the grandson of the legendary Bismillah Khan to honouring excellence across diverse realms.
The stellar line-up of attendees also featured luminaries such as Swatantra Dev Singh, Jal Shakti minister, UP govt., Anupriya Patel, minister of state for commerce and industry, GoI, Rajshree Birla, Sourabh Raaj Jain, and more, promising showcase.
Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Abhay Ojha expressed his enthusiasm, said, “The Ganga Kinare Music Festival is not merely a melody; it resonates as a testament to our commitment to cultural heritage and environmental guardianship. Zee News stands proudly as the telecast partner for this transformative event, bringing more than just a broadcast to your screens. The festival is a curated experience, an intricate portrayal of Varanasi’s essence, and a pledge to Ganga conservation.”
Zee Media Corporation Limited CRO Mona Jain said, “As an esteemed telecast partner for the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, our enthusiasm is coupled with strategic commitment as we unfold a cultural spectacle intricately aligned with our dynamic revenue growth strategy. Through skillful utilization and programming of the festival’s cultural richness and broad audience appeal, our objective is to forge inventive pathways for advertisers, sponsors, and partners, creating a platform that not only entertains but also serves as a fertile ground for mutually beneficial collaborations.”
Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi emphasised, “Havas Play takes pride in curating a unique experience with the Ganga Kinare Music Festival. This festival isn’t confined to a physical location; it’s a journey that brings cultural magnificence and environmental consciousness to screens worldwide. Through our collaboration, we aspire to create not just content but a meaningful narrative that reflects the festival’s essence—a seamless blend of tradition with technology and fostering constructive engagement towards our environment which creates a lasting impact on the audience.”
The grand telecast of Ganga Kinare Music Festival promises to deliver an evening of visual and auditory delight, blending cultural richness, soul-stirring performances, and a profound commitment to the conservation of the Holy River Ganga.
This festival received substantial support, with the Uttar Pradesh government as the state partner Himgange, V-Guard, Royale Touche and Sujata as special partners, PISM (partner) and co-powered by AU Small Finance Bank. Additional support was received in association with Namami Gange, Kailasa Entertainment Private Limited, Rungta Steel TMT Bar, Meghdoot Ayurvedic, PMCH Health Advisors, Radio City as the Radio partner and AMC Media as outdoor partner.
Event will be broadcast on 30 December at 10 pm, exclusively on Zee News.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








