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Maya Digital Studios launches its 2D animation department
MUMBAI: One of the pioneers in the art and technology of animation and visual effects in India – Maya Digital Studios – has announced its entry into 2D animation. The studio has launched its new 2D animation department with advance technology and facilities. After the huge success of its IPRs, Motu Patlu and Vir in 3D, Maya is now aiming to create a benchmark in 2D segment of domestic television.
Maya Digital Studios chairman and MD Ketan Mehta said in a press statement: “India’s animation sector is growing at a rapid pace. Also there is an increased use of animation in TV advertisements creating a need for good animation studios with 2D and 3D specialisation. As per FICCI KPMG report 2014, the Indian TV advertisement industry size is expected to increase from Rs 136 billion in 2013 to Rs 253 billion in 2017 at a CAGR of 13 per cent. As the advertising industry grows it is expected that the share of animation driven advertisements will also grow, given that animated advertisements usually strike a better chord with the target group of children and young adults. Hence it was a very strategic move to introduce 2D animation at Maya Digital studios.”
Marking the launch of its new 2D animation department, Maya Digital Studios is also hiring professionals for the position of concept artists, storyboard artists and story screenplay artists for their new department.
Commenting on the expansion of animation industry, Mehta further added: “The current size of the industry is estimated at US$ 247 million and expected to grow at 15-20 per cent per annum. Indian animation companies and studios have been moving up the value chain to create their own intellectual property rights. 2D animation software is a fun way to create amazing scenes from one’s imagination; hence our new 2D animation segment allows us to build more IPR’s. We are already in talks with broadcasters for two new IPR’s and are extensively looking at tapping the domestic television industry in coming years.”
Maya Digital Studios has specialised in stereoscopic 3D and offers services for S3D visual effects, S3D CG rendered animation and with the new 2D animation department is all set to capture the growing Indian market.
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.
