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ITV Studios names Pat Younge as non-executive director
MUMBAI: ITV Studios has appointed Pat Younge, as the new non-executive director. Younge is an award-winning journalist and creative leader with 30 years’ experience working at major broadcasters in the UK and abroad, he takes up the role with immediate effect.
Younge will share his knowledge on International experience and insight to support the ITV Studios executive team. He will assist with the ongoing implementation of the Studios strategy, offer specialist advice and help develop the business. Younge replaces Denise O’Donoghue who previously held the role.
He is currently the co-managing director of Cardiff Productions after recently leaving the Sky-backed production outfit Sugar Films.
Pat Younge said, “It’s good to be coming back to ITV where I started my career. Julian has built a great team and ITV Studios has some fantastic labels, and I hope to help them build on their successes.”
ITV Studios MD Julian Bellamy added, “Pat is a renowned leader in our industry with extensive experience across programme making, running Studios and TV channels. His contribution to the ITV Studios Board will be invaluable and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Previously, Younge led the BBC Television Production studio, responsible for over 2500 hours of TV programming overseeing shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Doctor Who and Top Gear. Prior to that, he was a president at Travel Channel Media, during which time shows including Man v Food were launched.
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.
