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GUEST ARTICLE: The confluence of two dreams! Sports and Lifestyle and what does it mean for Make in India
Mumbai: Sports and Lifestyle is a significant part of our dreams and aspirations. India has a rich tradition of sports, with a particular focus on cricket, field hockey, and kabaddi, among others. Many young people in India dream of becoming professional athletes and representing their country on the international stage.
In addition to sports, lifestyle is also a key consideration for many Indians. As the country’s economy has grown and incomes have risen, there has been an increasing demand for luxury goods and experiences, including high-end fashion, luxury travel, and fine dining.
For some Indians, the dream of sports and lifestyle goes beyond personal aspirations and encompasses broader social and cultural goals. For example, there is a growing movement in the country to promote healthy living and physical activity, particularly among young people. Sports and lifestyle are seen as important tools for achieving these goals, as they provide opportunities for exercise and physical activity, as well as promoting positive social interactions and community engagement.
India is a rapidly growing country with 1.3 bn people, and the ‘Make in India’ campaign is a step taken by the Indian government to promote the manufacturing industry in India. This campaign has been hugely successful, and is continuing to create jobs and investment in India. The sports and lifestyle industry requires a range of products, from athletic gear and footwear to fashion items and accessories. By leveraging the popularity of sports and tying it to lifestyle products, Indian companies can build stronger brands that resonate with consumers. This can help to create a more positive image of India as a whole, which in turn can support broader efforts to promote Make in India. Indian companies can explore new ways to integrate technology, materials, and design into their products. This can help to drive advancements in fields such as textiles, materials science, and wearable technology, which can have a positive impact on a range of industries.
By investing in sports infrastructure and promoting healthy living, ‘Make in India’ campaign can continue to fulfill the dreams of its people while also promoting greater health and wellbeing for all.
The author of this article is playR co-founder Ravi Kukreja.
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.
