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National Geographic India returns with an all-new season of ‘It Happens Only in India’
Mumbai: National Geographic is all set to return with the brand-new season of its original series It Happens Only in India. Cyrus Sahukar & Shenaz Treasury will host the series. They will explore the fascinating and enriching stories of India across multiple spheres.
Premiering on 15 January at 8.00 p.m., It Happens Only in India will introduce viewers to some of India’s most wondrous places, local cuisines, astounding megastructures, & art forms, like the PM Museum, Gatka—a traditional martial art form, the Floating Post Office, Pamban Bridge, Wazwan, Hanle Observatory, and Kathakali, amongst others. The 10-part series will also showcase inspiring stories of talented innovators like Mangoman of India, Plogman of India, and Mumbra girls, amongst others.
“Our constant endeavor is to narrate stories that are intriguing and inspiring, that bolster curiosity among our viewers. It Happens Only in India is one of our extremely popular series – having witnessed immense love and appreciation. For the coming season, we are bringing brand new stories from all corners of our country – each unique and distinctive in their own way. We will have Sahukar & Treasury, who will be seen adding in their own charm and humour to the narratives, making it a compelling watch for our viewers,” said a National Geographic spokesperson.
“Our country is full of surprises, and I have always been intrigued by the many fascinating tales India has to offer. It Happens Only in India has been a wonderful experience and has given me the opportunity to be a part of the beautiful, unique stories of our country and share them with viewers in my own style. I’m really happy to be a part of the National Geographic family and join this journey of exploration,” said Cyrus Sahukar.
“I have always been a travel enthusiast and absolutely love exploring fascinating new cultures and quirky places around the world. It Happens Only in India is where I travel around our incredible country, showcasing the depth of stories that our own country has to offer and bringing them to life in my own narrative style. I am really excited to have this show on National Geographic,” said Shenaz Treasury.
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.
