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India, Vietnam agree on greater collaboration between pubcasters
NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said India would extend all possible support to promote exchange programmes between public broadcasters of the India and Vietnam in content creation, screening and distribution of films.
During a meeting with a Vietnamese delegation led by Vietnam Information and Communications Minister Truong Minh Tuan, Naidu said collaboration in the field of Films, Broadcasting and Information Dissemination would strengthen the ties between India and Vietnam.
Cooperation in the field of institutional capacity building in social media, student exchange programs between premier institutes of both the countries in the field of journalism and films would bring the two countries close.
During the discussions, Naidu told the Vietnam delegation about the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) setup in the Ministry to facilitate single window clearance for film makers. The FFO setup shall act as a facilitation point for film producers and assist them in obtaining requisite permissions, disseminate information on shooting locales as well as the details about the various facilities available within the Indian film industry for production/post production thereof.
The Vietnam Minister gave a brief overview about the Media scenario in his country and expressed the hope that there would be cooperation between the National Broadcasters of both the countries to work closely in the field of real time information gathering and dissemination.
The Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) signed in 2014 between the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the year 2015-17 provided the institutional framework for collaboration in the Films sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016 was a significant event for both the countries reinforcing the Government’s “Act East Policy.”
The year 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnerships between the two countries.
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.
