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Kolkata to host second Tsunami match
MUMBAI: Fresh off the success they enjoyed from the first Tsunami benefit match in Melbourne, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the second World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match which will take place on 13 February in Kolkata.
ICC president Ehsan Mani said that after an overwhelming success of the first match in Melbourne, it was important that international cricket fulfilled this second part of its commitment to those affected by the disaster.
He said, “The first World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match provided a tremendous spectacle.Most importantly, it helped us raise over $ 11 million for the relief effort.The tsunami had a devastating impact on the city of Chennai and surrounding areas and it will be fitting if the second match is hosted in India. We look forward to the cricket world uniting again on 13 February as the work begins to rebuild the millions of shattered lives.”
ACC president Jagmohan Dalmiya said, ” The slogan for the second Tsunami Appeal match will be ‘Cricket for Humanity’. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that a human chain is built up across the world so that everyone could come forward to donate generously for the noble cause. We have already started receiving a warm response from various cricket playing countries.”
The second World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match will again see an ICC World XI take on an Asia XI. Both squads expected to be announced soon. In the Melbourne match the World XI led by Ricky Ponting comfortably defeated the Asian team.
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.
