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India, Pakistan to make a joint bid for cricket World Cup
MUMBAI: India and Pakistan will jointly bid for the 2011 cricket World Cup. The two countries have in the past hosted the event in 1987 and in 1996.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) head Sharad Pawar was quoted in reports saying that the two countries would bid together. Pawar met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Pawar is in Lahore to watch the first day of the India-Pakistan Test.
Before that though the Champions Trophy takes place in India in September 2006. Matches will be played in Delhi, Kolkatta and Mumbai. Pawar has also expressed confidence in a smooth process happening as far as the awarding of the television rights for India cricket are concerned.
Last month it had been reported that Australia was undecided over whether to make a formal bid to stage the 2011 World Cup. Australia and New Zealand had co-hosted the event in 1992 which was won by Pakistan. The decision on who gets to host the World Cup is expected from the International Cricket Council (ICC) later this year.
Australia has delayed any decision on a bid until the next ICC chief executives’ meeting which takes place next month. Australia is still waiting for an indication from the ICC about the bidding process and what it needs to do.
Media reports indicate that the ICC’s agreement with their marketing partners, Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) runs out after the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies and the council are working on a new package for events after 2007.
Under the current rotaion policy Australia is first in line to host the 2007 event but the ICC is believed to be looking at changing this policy.
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.
