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MIPTV opens with flourish
CANNES: Day one of MIPTV ended with a grand opening party at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes. Attended by the Who’s Who of senior executives from the television industry in Europe and the United States, Latin America and Asia, it had the usual buzz of a regular MIPTV.
The day’s highlight was the unveiling of a six and a half foot 40th anniversary cake at the entrance of the Palais de Festivals, where arguably one of the world’s largest programming and TV markets is being held. Additionally, The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (International TV Academy) announced today that Greg Dyke, Director General of the BBC will receive the prestigious International Emmy Directorate Award at the 31st International Emmy Awards on November 24, 2003.
The announcement was made at the Palais de Festivals. The International Emmy Directorate Award is presented to organizations or individuals in management, administration, engineering, news, programming, and/or international relations for outstanding contributions over a period of time to the arts and sciences of international television.
“Greg Dyke is an exceptional leader in the global television industry with a vision to the future. His accomplishments personify the International Emmy Award, which recognizes excellence in global television. The International TV Academy is very pleased to honour his many contributions to the art and science of international television,” said Fred Cohen, President of the International TV Academy.
This apart, the Academy also announced that the Emmy Founder’s award will be presented to HBO for setting an example for the world in programming innovation and raising the bar for the industry in programme trends.
The International Emmy Founders Award celebrates the accomplishments of an individual or a company whose work is recognized throughout the world embodying the vision of the founders of The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, crossing cultural boundaries to touch our common humanity. This is primarily an award for creative achievement and is not necessarily presented annually. Previous winners of this award include, among others, Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony Corporation of America; Film on Four from Channel 4 – UK; John Hendricks, Founder and CEO of Discovery; Robert Halmi, Sr.; Bill Cosby; Jacques-Yves Cousteau; Sir David Attenborough and Jim Henson.
Switzerland’s festival for entertainment television programming Rose D’Or announced a content partnership with British publisher C21 Media to enhance the conference’s content and develop its publications division.
The big announcement of the day was BBC Worldwide’s declaration that its TV export sales have risen 13 per cent in calendar year 2002 to $362 million from $322 million in 2001. On the whole, British Television exports, according to th British Television Distributors Association rose 6.6 per cent from $624 mllion in 2001 to $666 million in 2002.
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.
