News Headline
Group M Awarded Asia Pacific “Agency Of The Year”
MUMBAI: Group M Asia Pacific (Maximize and MindShare) bagged three awards at the annual Media Magazine Advertising & Media awards ceremony last week, including the 2003 Agency of the Year award.
Group M China was jointly awarded the 2003 Office of the Year, the only Media Specialist so honoured out of 30 submissions. Group M India had also won last year’s Office of the Year award.
Group M was among the shortlisted finalists in four out of the ten award categories and the eventual winner of three awards – the single largest haul of awards of all the Advertising & Media Agencies who entered, claims the company. Group M, one of India’s largest media investment management group with five offices across India providing media planning, buying and research services through its operating companies Maximize and MindShare. Specialist services are provided through its Advanced Techniques Group, mOne, Media Consumer Insights Group, BroadMind and Group M Outdoor.
The judges, says a company release, recognised Group M Asia Pacific for consistently delivering their clients effective communication strategies, outstanding media buys, world class consumer insights, and superior tools and systems resulting in improved customer ROI. Also cited were the company’s new business record, staff training and development programs and regional teamwork.
Also selected as runners up for “Media Planner/Buyer of the Year” was Maneesheel Gautam (MindShare Fulcrum India) and Michael Zhang (MindShare Beijing). This category attracted 30 submissions with only three finalists, says the release. Maneesheel, who has been in the business for four years, made it to the top rung with his integrated approach to Lifebuoy communication planning, for clients Hindustan Levers.
Chris Walton (Group M China) was nominated as a finalist for Agency Head of the Year, the only Media specialist head to be selected.
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.
