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Nat Geo and Vivo go into the wild with original India series
National Geographic Creative Works and Vivo India have unveiled Go Into the Wild, a four-part original series that blends cinematic wildlife storytelling with smartphone imaging technology.
The series follows four acclaimed wildlife photographers, including National Geographic explorer Sandesh Kadur, as they travel across some of India’s most remote and fragile ecosystems, from Ladakh’s frozen landscapes to the rainforests of the Western Ghats.
Shot entirely on the vivo X300 Pro, the series showcases the device’s flagship imaging features, including a 200MP Zeiss Apo telephoto camera, telephoto bird shots and a Zeiss 2.35 times telephoto extender, enabling optical zoom of up to 8.5 times.
The episodes combine behind-the-lens access with immersive footage of India’s biodiversity, aiming to position mobile photography as a serious tool for documenting wildlife and extreme environments.
A National Geographic India spokesperson said the collaboration marks a new phase in the brand’s visual storytelling, bringing together renowned photographers and advanced imaging technology to create a more immersive audience experience. Vivo India head of corporate strategy Geetaj Channana, said the partnership demonstrates how smartphone imaging can perform across low-light, wide-landscape and fast-moving wildlife scenarios.
Go Into the Wild premieres on 9 January, airing every Friday at 7 pm on National Geographic.
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.
