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Junior Master Chef Kids Celebrate Janmashtami
MUMBAI: True to its style, the notorious bunch of Junior MasterChef – Swaad Ke UstaadRadhaGopinath Temple, ISKCON ( Internation Society For Krishna Consciouness) irgaon Chowpatty Temple, Mumbai. Along with Chef Vikas Khanna, Kunal Kapoor and Surjan Singh Jolly,the contestants prepared special delicious ‘Makhan Bhog’ offering on the occasion of the birth of lord Krishna and danced to his hymns. The bhog specially created for their favorite God was donated to the midday meal run by ISKON.
The first ever season of Junior MasterChef has garnered quite a fanfare already. With their amazing culinary talent, these little protégées have not only scored points with judges but also managed to win the hearts of the viewers. The kids are surely leaving no stone unturned in demonstrating their innate talent and pleasing the God himself!
Chef Vikas associated with three seasons of Masterchef India said, It feels great to be part of Junior Masterchef Swaad Ke Ustaad. Isnt it wonderful that at this tender age they feel responsible not only in MasterChef kitchen but even here today with us, preparing an offering of 51 kg makkhan to Nandlala on the eve of his birth. These children are absolutely amazing and I am completely blown away by their creativity and spirit.
Don’t judge them by their age as these little chefs are capable of creating nothing less than a storm in the MasterChef Kitchen! Expect lots of new energy, innocent battles and be prepared to see some spectacularly stunning skills on display by these tiny tots.
Don’t forget to tune in to Junior Masterchef Swaad ke Ustaad aevery Saturday and Sunday at 9.00 pmonly on STAR Plus!
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.
