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IFTPC urges producers to follow Covid2019 guidelines to check spread
MUMBAI: India on Thursday recorded its highest single-day addition of Covid2019 cases in 2021 so far — total cases rose by 35,871, which is the highest daily rise since 6 December 2020. On the other hand Maharashtra, on the same day, reported 25,833 new Covid2019 cases, the hightest one-day spike since last March when the first Sars-Cov-2 infection was detected. Various stakeholders of the Indian entertainment industry have taken measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
In view of the epidemic spread of Covid0919 virus throughout the world, including India, an urgent meeting by IFTPC held on 18 March 2021 had advised all production houses to strictly abide by all the Covid2019 protocols.
IFTPC CEO Suresh Amin said in a letter addressed to all the producers: “Last year exactly on this date the industry had ceased shootings unilaterally as a precaution against the Covid2019. Today the industry is functioning to near capacity. Unfortunately, fatigue and carelessness has crept into our system rather exponentially which needs to be rectified immediately.”
He further mentioned that the growing cases recently are not only worrisome, but have pushed the state government on the back foot and there is talk in the administration to take some drastic measures to hold back the spread of the virus. Amin feared that the media and entertainment industry will be the first target.
To thwart the possibility of a crackdown, IFTPC at a producers meeting held yesterday has decided to start a special drive to implement the government guidelines with renewed vigour. It is advised that all the producers should personally visit their sets and ensure that SOPs are implemented meticulously.
Below are the guidelines:
a. Please avoid outdoor shoots immediately
b. Restrict the number of junior artists and avoid shooting scenes requiring large crowds.
c. Do not fall to pressures of the creative team to include extravagant scenes
d. Producer shall visit the sets personally in the next two days and send photographs of the set to IFTPC
e. Follow the SOP meticulously without making any exceptions
f. Ensure that all crew members are insured as directed earlier.
g. Restrict the crew size to 33 per cent as prevailing in July 2020.
Amin shared, “Today we are at the September 2020 situation and the wrath of the virus continues. We urge you to kindly ensure the implementation of the above in right earnest and oblige.”
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.
