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Laureus Academy visits India
MUMBAI: The Laureus World Sports Academy will visit India tomorrow, with its annual forum to be held at the Amby Vally, Sahara India’s hill city at Lonavala.
The 2003 Laureus World Sports Academy Forum will be graced by legendary sports personalities like Edwin Moses, Giacomo Agostini, Sebastian Coe, Daley Thompson, Nadia Comaneci, David Douillet, Sean Fitzpatrick, Dawn Fraser, Michael Johnson, Kip Keino, Nawal El Moutawakel, Robby Naish, Morné du Plessis and Kapil Dev.
According to a company release, the forum will discuss various sports opportunities and ways to use sport as a tool for social change around the world.
Sahara India’s chairman Subrata Roy was quoted in the release as saying, “We have always given an impetus to sports-related activities in the country as a national commitment and a social cause along with an emotional attachment. It is our desire to see India standing tall in national and international competitiveness in every sphere of sports.”
The release says, the Academy Forum marks the inauguration of a state-of-the-art business centre at Amby Valley, Sahara Lake City. The Academy members are expected to engage a golf competition, a visit to the tribal Naga village’ and shopping at the Indian Bazaar.
According to Percept D’ Mark MD Shailendra Singh, “Laureus Academy’s visit to India marks the second step towards a revolutionary movement in Indian sport, the first being the launch of the Hero Indian Sports Academy last year.”
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.
