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‘Greatness is Contagious’, says World Cup
MUMBAI: The countdown to the biggest sporting event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, has officially begun with the ICC releasing the official TVC for the big game.
With 67 days to go for the mega event to begin in February, the campaign titled ‘Greatness is Contagious ’ reflects the insight that one cannot help but be affected when one is in the presence of stalwarts.
The ad begins with a few children, in different parts of the world, gearing up for a match by preparing a pitch by either arranging a set of stones to be used as make-believe wickets or sketching a wicket on a ruined wall. Now as the pitch has been set, determined young cricketers, both boys and girls, are seen getting ready to score the perfect six. Next, fans begin chanting and cheering the young teams.
A still from the film depicts how cricket is celebrated as religion in India, as temple priests and worshipers are shown performing an aarti of two cricket bats! Indian fans enjoying the game are spotted wearing the jersey of cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar. Towards the end, left arm fast bowler and Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson, along with New Zealand’s Brendon Macullum ,are seen gearing up for the big match.
The World Cup, this year, will be hosted jointly by New Zealand and Australia.
The music in the 60 second TVC is that of Swedish Producer WDL’s Bob’s Beat, assisted by Markus Wetterberg’s (Mawe), vocals to the electronic sound. The agency for the TVC is CHE Proximity while the production was carried by Sweetshop. Ben Quinn is the director and the executive creative director is Leon Wilson.
The ad put up on ICC’S Facebook page, so far has garnered 31,000 views and 603 shares and on YouTube 2,394 views and counting. On twitter, the video which was shared by the Council, garnered a paltry 81 re-tweets and 75 favourites as fans from a few countries expressed anguish over not many cricketers being included in the TVC.
To watch the TVC, click here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxBL-qImwQU
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.
