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Mathrubhumi chief and politician MP Veerendra Kumar passes away
MUMBAI: Mathrubhumi chairman managing director MP Veerendra Kumar, 84, passed away following a cardiac arrest in Kerala's Kozhikode district on Thursday night.
For nearly four decades, he served as the top executive of the media house which comprises Mathrubhumi newspaper and Mathrubhumi News television channel, Mathrubhumi online, and a slew of niche publications in print. He was serving as an independent Rajya Sabha MP backed by the Left parties.
An active politician who followed the paths of socialist politician Jayprakash Narayan, Veerendra Kumar had undergone imprisonment during Emergency in 1975. None other than Jayprakash Narayan invited him to join the socialist party. He served as an all-India treasurer of the Samyukta Socialist Party from 1968 to 1970. Later, he joined the Janata Party and the Janata Dal factions. Later, he served as a union minister of state for finance and labour, and many times MP and MLA. An avowed champion of environmental issues, when he was the minister of forests in Kerala for a very short period, he infamously made his first order against cutting forests.
A prolific writer and author of several award-winning books, Veereendra Kumar wore many hats: media owner, politician, and author.
He was born to socialist leader and planter MK Padmaprabha Goudar and Marudevi Avva. He had his higher education from northern Kerala and from Cincinnati University, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife and four children. His son M V Shreyams Kumar is the joint managing director of Mathrubhumi.
The last rites will be held on Friday in the hilly district of Wayanad.
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.
