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Locomotive reinforces strength in India with key appointments
Mumbai: International production company Locomotive Global Media on Monday announced the appointment of Laura Mishra as associate producer and Nikhil Ahuja as finance controller, in view of its long-term business objectives and goals.
With a focus on expanding its business horizon, Mishra and Ahuja will significantly contribute in accelerating the company’s growth through their respective roles, according to the company. Their appointments are with immediate effect.
In her new role, Mishra will be responsible for driving the company’s growth through partnerships with various streaming platforms. In addition to this, she will also contribute by developing, producing, and executing film/television projects that are key to LGM’s overall growth. Mishra brings to LGM six years of experience in the industry, with an expertise in television and film production.
Prior to joining LGM, she worked as a development producer at The Story Ink. In addition to this, Mishra has also worked as a producer, director and script consultant in her previous roles.
As LGM’s finance controller, Ahuja will be responsible for all financial matters and will report to the parent company, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (CSSE) in the US. Ahuja will also play an active role in production management and project financing with an objective to help rapidly build the company’s scale and operations.
With over seven years of experience in finance across sectors, Ahuja’s expertise includes crafting finance plans, budgeting strategies, revenue forecasting and taxation. Prior to joining LGM, Ahuja worked with Mumbai Movie Studios as head of finance where he was responsible for content accounting, optimising spends and worked closely with investors and external stakeholders.
“We are delighted to welcome Laura and Nikhil to our team as we seek to exponentially accelerate our growth in India,” Locomotive Global Inc co-founder and principal of Sunder Aaron said. “While Laura is a recognised expert in the Indian film industry with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the entire film production ecosystem, Nikhil is a domain expert and is recognised for his financial skillset. Together with their exemplary leadership abilities and creative minds, we are certain of taking Locomotive Global to greater heights, further consolidating our position in the Indian media and entertainment sector.”
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.
