News Headline
Mipcom Junior kick starts in Cannes
CANNES: The winds were gusty and howling at Canne’s Le Croissette on the eve of the flag off of Reed Midem’s Mipcom Junior market at The Hotel Martinez.
One could see some summer wear during the warm day giving way to protective gear such as cardigans and sweaters as late evening grew. Would the response to this year’s Mipcom Junior be as cold as the cold evening wind?
The fear proved unfounded even as night gave way to day. This morning the sun shone bright and while it was breezy, the nip in the air was not as cold. In fact, it had given way to warmth and sweat was seen streaming down executives’ necks even as they got down to focusing on two days of trying to understand what kind of programming will be on offer globally for young international TV audiences during the coming season.
Pilots and finished series for half hours, and movies – both animation and features – were slated to be on offer. Programme acquisition executives from television networks and channels, distributors and sales people from production houses from countries as diverse as US to Hungary to Spain to France were all seen scurrying around.
The mood was extremely businesslike with the screening booths witnessing rapid activity as buyers made their bookings for VHS from the library of what they wanted to watch even as a young Frenchman dressed up as Pink Panther kept going around in the lobby of the Hotel Martinez keeping everyone distracted.
Prominent in the lobby of the Martinez was also the Licensing and Merchandising Lounge which had representatives from Cinar Entertainment, MGM, Warner Brothers, among others displaying their wares in order to strike deals to put their characters on products ranging from text books to shoes to clothing to toys and what have you.
Today’s major gigs were slated to be the opening conference (at 15 hrs Cannes time) on Licensing and Merchandising moderated by License USA editor-in-chief Joyceann Cooney. The two main speakers for this chat session were slated to be 4Kids Entertainment Chairman and CEO Alfred Kahn and Warner Brothers Consumer Products Executive Vice President Worldwide Marketing Jordan Sollitto. This was to be followed by an opening cocktail at the same venue.
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.
