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Intl. franchise show Franchise India returns to India
MUMBAI: Asian integrated franchise solution major Franchise India Holdings Limited (FIHL) is organising its second international exhibition, conference and opportunity seminar for franchise and business opportunity and awards function on 26 and 27 October in New Delhi.
“The two-day show will be the matchmaking platform for franchisors, potential business buyers, entrepreneurs and industry suppliers. The whole show is customised to the needs of the Indian market utilising knowledge of the potential investors, entrepreneurs and businessmen from all parts of India and subcontinent, in addition to international delegations,” says Franchise India Holdings Limited president Gaurav Marya.
It will showcase a world of business opportunities to the investors, who can benefit from the rich expertise of the speakers and the hands-on resources to build a profitable business.
“It will address key issues concerning franchising and enlighten the investors and professionals about various aspects of franchising, licensing and business development,” Franchise India Holdings Limited partner and Quantum Plus Tradelinks Pvt. Ltd managing director Tony White said.
Top international speakers on the second day of the show include Brian Duckett, managing director of Horwath Franchising UK, John B Foreman, chairman of Foreman & Co., New Zealand, Tony White, managing director of Quantum Plus Tradelinks Pvt. Ltd., India, Louise Lee, managing director of Inter Asia and Associates, USA, Ivan Poole, Franchise Lawyers, Queens Land, Australia, Cindy Holmes, UCLA and Dave Lemoine of Hallmark, among others.
Franchise Awards 2004 will honour India’s finest corporates in franchising. India’s most renowned business leaders and eminent speakers will attend the award ceremony. The Franchise Awards 2004 is franchising’s most valuable awards show and recognises excellence in performance in franchising. These awards will be an ideal platform for corporates to further establish their brands.
On the second day of the mega programme, awards for the Entrepreneur of the Year, Franchisor/ Franchise of the Year, Licensor/ Licensee of the Year, etc. will be announced by the committee. This apart, there will be award for franchise managers, business leadership, franchise supplier, team-work, customer service, etc.
Some of the participating companies are Career Launcher India, CADD Centre Training Services, IIFT (International Institute of Fashion Technology); Kapoor Enterprises (Kapoor Lamps Shades), Hewlett Packard India, Zee Interactive Learning Systems, British School of Language; Blazeflash Couriers, AEZ (Khemka Stuart Leisure Limited), Chandrani Pearls (Kolkata), among others.
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.
