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Hutch starts language services in West Bengal, Sikkim
MUMBAI: Hutch has launched its services in West Bengal and Sikkim. After expanding it to network, Hutch now claims that it has a widest cellular network in the region.
The mobile service company has also announced a special range of Bengali-language value added services such as voice response. The launch of Hutch in West Bengal and Sikkim was announced by Hutchison Essar managing director Asim Ghosh, at a press conference in Kolkata.
Speaking about the new offer, Ghosh said, “After demonstrating service leadership in Kolkata, we are extending it to West Bengal and Sikkim. Customers in West Bengal will soon experience the friendliness that has been the hallmark of our brand of service, in the rest of the country.”
“With our customer service, backed by our continuous effort to build a robust and reliable network and innovative value added services, we hope to recreate the Hutch magic. This is one of the fastest rollouts of service networks since the time the license and the spectrum were awarded to us. That is an indication of our commitment to West Bengal,” he is reported to be quoted in a company release.
In Kolkata, Hutch leads the market with a subscriber base of nearly 6, 00, 000 claims the release.
Commenting on Hutch’s state-wide presence, Hutchison East, chief operating officer, Kumar Ramanathan, said, “We have focussed on seamless connectivity across the state, national highways, railway routes and commercial centres for the customers in West Bengal and Sikkim who travel extensively. Besides, a network that spans 140 towns and cities, we will provide 24-hour customer care through a dedicated customer service helpline.
” In a major move, we will start with five Hutch shops and 30 Hutch teleshops, sprinkled across the face of the state for the convenience of our subscribers”.
All Subscribers whether postpaid or prepaid, will get 32K SIM card, which allows for a 200 number phone book. For the first time, Hutch subscribers in this region will be able to get services like stock rates on their Hutch phones, cricket updates, astrology etc. by dialing a single number, 123.”
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.
