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Howzat for Glory as Eden Gardens Lights Up for Women in Blue
MUMBAI: Kolkata’s night sky had a new scoreboard, one lit in blue, blazing with pride. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) turned the Eden Gardens into a glowing canvas to celebrate Team India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 victory, creating a spectacle that had fans stopping, staring and cheering long after the final whistle.
The iconic stadium’s façade shimmered in shades of electric blue, adorned with giant visuals of the triumphant team lifting the trophy, a sight that felt every bit as grand as the moment it commemorated. For three days, the hallowed grounds of Eden weren’t just a cricketing landmark; they became a glowing love letter to the women who brought India the cup, pride and goosebumps.
“This was our way of saying thank you,” said former India captain and president of CAB Sourav Ganguly. “Twenty years ago, women’s cricket had few believers and fewer facilities. Today, their win lights up the country quite literally. When I became BCCI president, I made it my mission to strengthen women’s cricket. Winning the 50-over World Cup is just the beginning, it will only get bigger from here.”
The CAB’s tribute was more than a visual delight; it was a reflection of how far women’s cricket has come. What once played to sparse crowds now fills stadiums and headlines. Eden’s brilliant glow symbolised that shift from underdogs to icons, from overlooked to celebrated.
Cricket lovers thronged the area, phones in hand, capturing the moment that married nostalgia and new-age pride. The installation featured vibrant lights, dynamic projections and a specially designed backdrop, a reminder that victory looks even brighter when the whole nation stands behind it.
The CAB, long known for championing both men’s and women’s cricket, used this celebration to reaffirm its commitment to the game’s future. The association has consistently nurtured talent across formats, and this event underscored its intent to keep the women’s game in full focus not as a supporting act, but as the main event.
As the lights danced on Eden’s storied walls and the chants of “India, India!” echoed once more, it was clear cricket’s most sacred turf had just found a new set of legends to worship.
After all, when the Women in Blue bring home the cup, the city of joy knows exactly how to say “well played” with fireworks, flair, and a flood of blue that can be seen from miles away.
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.
