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Karnataka Cinema Theater Owners Assn dissolved
BANGALORE: The Karnataka film crisis episode has taken a new twist with MLA and son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, openly disowning the Karnataka Cinema Theater Owners Association (KCTOA) and saying that KCTOA has no right to use his name while issuing statements.
As reported by Indiantelevision.com on 31 August, Kumaraswamy had chaired a meeting of the KCTOA where he was projected as the president of the organisation. On being questioned about the previous president Arun Kumar, the press was informed that he had resigned to make way for HD Kumaraswamy.
Now Kumaraswamy has denied that he was president of the KCTOA or that he had any say in the decision making of that body. He is quoted in the media reports as saying, “Theater owners asked me to lead them. So far, I have given my consent. But KCTOA is already issuing an unsigned statement carrying my name. The decision to ban Babu’s film was taken by exhibitors and not his,” he said as per media reports, distancing himself from the KCTOA.”
As reported earlier, an unsigned press release attributed to minister HD Kumaraswamy had declared that that any film with which producer and director S V Rajendra Singh Babu is directly or indirectly associated would not be displayed in any theatre in Karnataka for the next five years starting 8 September, 2004 till 8 September, 2009.KCTOA secretary KV Dhananjay said that the KCTOA stood dissolved following Kumaraswamy’s statements and hence ban on Rajendra Singh Babu’s films called for by the KCTOA was automatically withdrawn. The Gokak type agitation that the KFPA had threatened has now been put on hold too.
The government has yet to act on information & broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy’s appeal to lift the seven-week ban on non-Kannada Films. The Government-formed Pandey committee is to meet later today to discuss the ills of the Kannada industry.
Meanwhile, ex-minister and Congress MLA DK Shivakumar has indicated his support of the Karnataka Film Producers Association (KFPA) demands by attending a meeting called by the Kannada film fraternity yesterday. DK Shivakumar’s antagonism towards the former PM HD Deve Gowda and his sons is reportedly well known, and during his speech he has reportedly cautioned the film fraternity against involving politicians.
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.
