News Headline
India-West Indies Clash in 5-Test Series!
Cable operator woes will be brushed under the carpet as Star Sports readies for the big event of the year – a five test India West India cricket series, followed by a five match one day series, that kicks off 11 April.
The Caribbean tour of the Indian team comes on the heels of the test and one day win against Zimbabwe recently. The last time India toured the West Indies in 1996-97, it lost to the hosts in both the test and one dayers.
The tour comes at a crucial juncture for both the channel and the two countries, who are all looking for a winner to pull them through the rough patches.
Schedule for the 5-Test Series to be played between India and West Indies
| April 11 to 15 | First Test | Guyana | First Session : 7:35 pm. |
| Second Session : 10:15 pm. | |||
| April 19 to 23 | Second Test | Trinidad | First Session : 7:35 pm. |
| Second Session : 10:15 pm. | |||
| May 2 to 6 | Third Test | Barbados | First Session : 7:35 pm. |
| Second Session : 10:15 pm. | |||
| May 10 to 14 | Fourth Test | Antigua | First Session : 7:35 pm. |
| Second Session : 10:15 pm. | |||
| May 18 to 22 | Fifth Test | Jamaica | First Session : 8.35 pm. |
| Second Session : 11:15 pm. |
Schedule for the 5-match ODI Series to be played between India and West Indies
| May 25 | First ODI | Jamaica | 1st Session : 8.05 pm. |
| 2nd Session : 12.20 am. | |||
| May 26 | Second ODI | Jamaica | 1st Session : 8.05 pm. |
| 2nd Session 12.20 am. | |||
| May 29 | Third ODI | Barbados | 1st Session : 7.05 pm. |
| 2nd Session 11.20 pm. | |||
| June 1 | Fourth ODI | Trinidad | 1st Session : 7.05 pm. |
| 2nd Session 11.20 pm. | |||
| June 2 | Fifth ODI | Trinidad | 1st Session : 7.05 pm. |
| 2nd Session 11.20 pm. |
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.
