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India wants Indo-Chinese pact on co-production and export of movies to China
NEW DELHI: The Government today proposed that the National Film Development and its Chinese counterpart should explore the possibilities of a memorandum of understanding for joint production and distribution of films between the two countries.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sunil Arora stated this in a meeting with Fuzhou People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries President Yang Yue and his delegation members.
The meeting was held here to discuss cooperation between the two countries in areas pertaining to co-production of movies and import of more Indian films to China. Joint Secretary (Films) K Sanjay Murthy and Senior Officers from the Ministry were also present during the meeting.
Yue agreed to examine the suggestion. He invited Indian representatives to visit Fuzhou for the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival.
India had earlier participated as a focus country in the 2nd Silk Road International Film Festival in September last year and a delegation from the Ministry and the Directorate of Film Festivals attended the festival.
India and China had earlier signed an Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement in September 2014.
In the recent past, India had permitted filming of three Chinese films in the country namely: ‘Lost in India’, ‘Kung Fu Yoga’ and ‘Xuan Zang’. The film ‘Xuan Zang’ was a co-production between the Chinese Film Company Ltd. and Eros (India) International. The movie ‘Kung Fu Yoga’ is currently being filmed in India.
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.
