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Govt supportive of M&E sector efforts to expand globally: Piyush Goyal
Mumbai: Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India today said, “The Government is supportive to all the efforts by the media & entertainment industry to expand the frontiers of the sector globally.”
Addressing the 23rd edition of FICCI FRAMES, Goyal said that India is on the pathway to become a developed nation by 2047. “As we enter the Amrit Kaal, the next 25 years which will be the defining years for India, I’m sure, our entertainment & media industry will make a mark that will be matchless. Your (industry’s) commitment to take Indian cinema on the global map, will help the industry to succeed.”
Lauding FICCI FRAMES – the congregation of stakeholders of Media & Entertainment sector, the Minister said, “I’m delighted to be a part of the event, which has the theme ‘inspire, innovate & immerse’, which is relevant to the current times. It also reflects the vibrancy that the media industry demonstrates as a key pillar to India’s cultural heritage.”
Goyal added that the theme also resonates with our belief that creativity can indeed enhance commerce. The M&E industry is today the cultural ambassador of the country and has given a unique identity to India, he noted.
“The Media & Entertainment industry can showcase to the world, the New India of today, boosting the economy, helping the country reach a new audience, influencing opinions, and spreading positivity,” asserted Goyal.
Appreciating the industry for adopting modern technologies, Goyal said, “We are looking at a proliferation of technology in the media and entertainment industries. With digital platforms coming up, I believe this industry will grow by leaps and bounds.”
Praising the recent Oscar wins for the ‘Naatu-Naatu’ song and the ‘Elephant Whisperers’ the Minister said this achievement showcases India’s emerging contribution in the field of entertainment.
“We gave a social message that sustainability is at the core of our thinking and comes naturally to Indians. We also gave a message of Naari Shakti that Indian women of substance are defining the New India,” he added.
“The skill, innovation & technology of the industry is nurturing talents and hard work. Let’s together build an industry which entertains, empowers, enlightens & inspires the whole nation, in this journey of progress & prosperity,” he emphasized.
Jyoti Deshpande, Chair, FICCI M&E Committee; CEO, Viacom 18 Media and President – Media & Content Business, Reliance Industries Ltd and Shailesh K Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI also shared their perspective on the Indian media and entertainment sector.
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.
