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Mark Strippel to head BBC Asian Network music division
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC’s digital radio station BBC Asian Network has announced the appointment of British-Asian music pioneer Mark Strippel, aka Markie Mark, as the head of music for the station. Strippel takes up the appointment immediately.
He broadcasts on the Asian Network and on BBC 1Xtra. The BBC says that he is a well-known figure within the British music industry and amongst the public from being a member of Punjabi Hit Squad (PHS). The group formed in 2001 and have been at the forefront of taking British-Asian music to a wider audience through a fusion of bhangra with hiphop.
Strippell said, “I welcome the opportunity to be able to bring some real depth and cutting edge to the playlist at Asian Network, both in daytime and the new specialist shows. There will be a noticeable change in tone of the station’s music policy, with a greater emphasis on homegrown talent, providing a platform for unsigned or independent British-Asian artists, and greater year-round support for live music. Asian Network has a key responsibility to play in uplifting the British-Asian music scene across all its genres.”
The head of music role was created by the station late last year, along with the head of news, network co-ordinator and new assistant editor roles, as part of the evolution of the station under Controller Bob Shennan’s management.
The final decision was made by a panel including Bob Shennan and Asian Network managing editor Vijay Sharma.
BBC Asian Network’s Bob Shennan said, “Mark’s appointment is crucial to the new direction of the Asian Network, and the final part of a very very strong management team. He has an important role in reviewing our music policy and connecting with the talent in the thriving British-Asian music scene.”
The key tasks for Strippel will be to make music on the Asian Network more cutting-edge; to build and maintain relationships within the mainstream/Asian music industry; and to build on the station’s commitment to live British-Asian music. Being white and a specialist in British-Asian music, Strippel breaks stereotypes and preconceived ideas about the type of people who listen to Asian music adds the BBC.
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.
