News Headline
MGM Home Entertainment takes control of Australian operations
CALIFORNIA: Marking a critical advancement in its worldwide expansion, MGM Home Entertainment Group, is assuming control of operations in Australia, one of the fastest growing DVD markets in the world. It is establishing a full-scale sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure in the territory.
In India, MGM has a JV with Subhash Chandra’s Zee for the television channel Zee MGM. The company’s executive VP worldwide sales Robert Wittenberg was quoted as saying: “Hands down, Australia has become one of the most vital markets in the industry. Australian consumers — long proven as early adopters in the consumer electronics business — are expected to spend over $1 billion on video in 2003 alone, with most of the growth forecasted to come from retail DVD — a gain of more than 32 per cent. With our operations now in place, MGM is in an excellent position to capitalise on the territory’s tremendous growth potential.”
As part of the move, the company has promoted MGM executive Don Hunton to head the operations, serving as MD – Australia. The Sydney based Hunton will oversee both the company’s new offices in Sydney and Melbourne. He will report directly to Wittenberg.
Wittenberg added: “Don brings a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to MGM’s Australian launch, having deftly built and managed MGM’s rental and retail sales and marketing infrastructure in the UK. We look forward to building a strong foundation within the territory. We will aggressively work to provide the Australian customer base with the same outstanding service that we have consistently delivered to our rental and retail partners across North America and Europe.”
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.
