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MipDoc satisfies despite lower turnout
CANNES: It has been billed as among the premier documentary markets. But fears were that it would turn out to be a bit of a damp squib courtesy the US-Iraq conflict with participants deciding to stay away, fearful of travel. While this turned out to be true, Reed Midem, the organiser of the sixth edition of the documentary festival MipDoc held in Cannes on 22-23 March expressed satisfaction about the numbers that finally turned up.
A press release issued by Reed Midem says that “quality programming continued to be high on the agenda with current affairs and history/ancient civilisations riding high as the most popular themes.” Held at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, the market saw a total of 7449 screenings (9037 in 2002). MipDoc also recorded a drop in the number of participants to 473 (577 in 2002), in the number of buyers to 296 (335 buyers last year) from 39 countries. A selection of 1157 programmes were provided for screening by 159 distribution and production companies.
Amongst the genres that did well included: Current Affairs with 1,790 screenings, History & Civilisations (1,332), Science & Knowledge (920 screenings), Art Music Culture (854 screenings). The top most screened programmes were: Around the World wih Tippi by Rebel Media Ventures (Canada), CIA: Secret Wars by Capa (France), Holy Secrets: electing a Pope (AETN International) and Clone Story (US Independents).
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.
