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India Unlimited, FOODFOOD’s new offering
MUMBAI: FOODFOOD is all set to bring to its viewers cuisines from across the country. While every little corner of the country has a flavour of its own, the food and lifestyle channel is looking at entertaining its audience with a show that talks about different strokes of Indian regional cuisines and stories. The show ‘India Unlimited’ will be aired every Thursday at 2 pm and will be hosted by chef Shantanu.
The show aims at weaving the taste of the cuisine found in North to the colour of the food from South along with texture of the West and appearance of the East. ‘India Unlimited’ will see several stories that are weaved with the love for food.
‘India Unlimited’, according to the channel, is set to give viewers a sense of nestling in the heart of the Himalayas , while bringing the taste of the spices of Tamil Nadu , the flowing mustard fields from Punjab, the awesome treat from the ocean world – fish, from Bengal and both sugar and spice turning every vegetarian dish nice , from Gujarat .
The accurate time for adding spice, masala and the degree of cooking are the key factors that determine the quality of a dish. However, this art had been confined to the master chefs who have their proprieties spice mixtures etc. and are reluctant to share their recipes.
During the show, chef Shantanu will be seen sharing all his food secrets. He will also take the audience through the varied tastes of India, its traditions, its colour, texture and brings it all together in his kitchen. His cooking tips and tricks, food secrets, recipes are simple but will make one wonder how the complex layers of taste and flavours have come in to being.
“If we look at these recipes critically, we realise that each step has a particular purpose and there are many ways of making the same dish also. At the same time the touch of spices, is off course an art that needs to be understood and perfected as per change of taste. Cooking is not merely following a recipe, ‘It is an art as well as a science’,” said chef Shantanu.
The show will feature three recipes in one episode, with each episode being specific to a particular region of India. Chef Shantanu will imbibe the traditional look of each region, through both his attire and attitude and bring the unlimited joys it offers to the viewers.
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.
