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Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launches News18 Urdu’s vaccination campaign
Mumbai: There is a strong consensus across the world that the strongest defense that mankind has against the dreaded Coronavirus is vaccination. While many people have gone ahead with their vaccination, there are some who still harbor reservations. News18 Urdu has undertaken upon itself the task of reaching out to its viewers from across the country including the large Muslim community in the country and encouraging them to get vaccinated in large numbers.
“This special month-long initiative ‘Zindagi Ka Yaqeen: Vaccine’ would aim to identify areas and communities where the rates of vaccination are low and focus its campaign on the same through case studies, on-ground stories, and use of influencers and community leaders. The campaign will attempt to bring multiple views and perspectives through a variety of content formats including debates, interviews, and special interactive shows. The campaign will also engage with healthcare experts and other key stakeholders to dispel any misconceptions regarding COVID vaccination and reassure viewers about the safety and necessity of the vaccine,” said the channel in a statement.
The campaign was inaugurated by the union minister of minority affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who appreciated the initiative and also stated that launching such a campaign was the need of the hour. He further appealed to the audience to get vaccinated and added that avoiding vaccination would put the people themselves at great risk. Also, many other influential people like the minority development minister of Maharashtra, Nawab Malik; MOS for minority welfare in the UP-government Mohsin Raza supported the initiative.
Padmashri Dr Mohsin Wali and Dr Swati Maheshwari also participated in the campaign’s launch and highlighted the importance of vaccination urging the viewers to support the initiative and get their vaccination done.
As the country’s leading Urdu channel, News18 Urdu understands its responsibility towards the communities and constituencies it serves. As a responsible media brand and part of the country’s biggest News Network, the channel believes that it is its solemn duty to work towards the welfare of its viewers. The campaign ‘Zindagi ka Yaqeen: Vaccine’ is a step in this direction.
Viewers can tune in to News18 Urdu for more updates on this campaign.
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.
