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Narendra Modi congratulates Ronnie Screwvala on his debut book
MUMBAI: India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seeing an unprecedented wave of optimism with a high focus on making India an entrepreneurial country, tapping into its unbridled power. Giving the current scenario, Ronnie Screwvala one of India’s most celebrated first generation entrepreneurs announces the launch of his book – Dream With Your Eyes Open that encapsulates his 25 yearlong entrepreneurial journey.
With the book, Screwvala shares his failures and triumphs and strives to instill a belief of it’s all possible and it can be done within this generation.
What’s more, Modi sent in his congratulations and wishes to Screwvala appreciating his effort to evangelise entrepreneurship in the country through his book.
“I am happy to learn that Shri Ronnie Screwvala has written a book on the theme of entrepreneurship, Dream With Your Eyes Open. I hope the book will encourage the youth of India to pursue their dreams, and in doing so, devote their energies to find innovative ways to build better lives for millions of Indians. On this occasion, I convey my best wishes to Shri Ronnie Screwvala and hope his effort will serve as inspiration or many,” Modi said.
“It is humbling to receive such encouraging words from such a visionary and communicative leader and our country’s Prime Minister. I am delighted that Shri Narendra Modi emphasizes on the power of entrepreneurship, I myself feel that the country should have more entrepreneurs and even today, 99 per cent of people don’t feel confident enough to start a business on their own. Dream With Your Eyes Open shares failures and triumphs, thoughts and anecdotes of my journey. It details out my vast experiences and myriad lessons learned from more than two decades of building some successful (and some not-so-successful) businesses. The idea of the book was born from the need to share my learnings and hopefully inspire young and well established entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey,” added Screwvala.
“This book is small contribution from my end towards tapping the entrepreneurial potential of our country. It is encouraging that my friends and colleagues have come forward to show their support for the book and the cause it aims to champion. I hope this book inspires people to dream and dream big,” he said.
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.
