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Murdoch likely to meet PM, Sonia tomorrow
NEW DELHI: News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch flew into Delhi today evening on the second leg of his five-day India visit, even as certain parts of the city got lashed by thundershowers.
Today Murdoch attended a dinner that was hosted by his Indian partner in the news venture, ABP Group’s Aveek Sarkar. Though the guest list is supposed to have drawn up by the ABP group, the invitees may include senior government officials and media personalities of the city.
A tentative time in the afternoon has been indicated by prime minister Manmohan Singh’s office for a courtesy call by Murdoch tomorrow, but much will depend on the Parliament proceedings, which are important for the present government.
“If parliamentary duties demand that the PM be in the House, along with his senior colleagues, then Rupert Murdoch’s appointment may get shifted to after parliamentary business hours,” a government source said. Ditto for a meeting with the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
It is still not clear and certain, but on Wednesday Murdoch is likely to call on information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy.
Senior Congress leader Murli Deora will host a dinner party for Murdoch on Tuesday.
Like in Mumbai, in Delhi too, the News Corp chairman is slated to meet up with employees of the Star India team. His day begins with a visit to the corporate affairs office of Star in Delhi.
What does he feel of the Star India operation? Seems he’s happy. He expressed such sentiments in an interview with Star News where he praised the Indian operations for doing well and being profitable.
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.
