News Headline
History Channel host Michael Norwood dies at age 36
MUMBAl: A few days ago the host of The History Channel’s series Deep Sea Detectives veteran diver Michael Norwood passed away. The incident happened while the 36 year old was performing a deep sea dive.
Michael and the show co-host John Chatterton were working on an episode produced by KPI Productions. Their task involved diving for the wreck of the World War II ship, the USS Perry, off the coast of the Republic of Palau, situated near the Philippines. While descending toward the wreck along an anchor line Michael began having difficulty breathing. Despite the efforts of his two companions who did everything they could to help him, they were unable to save his life.
Michael also served as the diving consultant and safety diver on the John Sayles film Limbo a few years ago. Michael is survived by his wife Diana, his parents Fred and Pat Norwood, and his brother David.
In a tribute, the broadcaster’s executive producer Carl Lidahl said, “Michael was the consummate professional. We are honoured that he was a part of our team. Michael brought to the series a rare combination of talent, not only was he an experienced diver and former Scotland Yard detective, he was a superb host. He thoroughly enjoyed what he did, and that was evident in every broadcast. Everyone benefitted from knowing and working with Michael.”
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.
