News Headline
Netherlands added to MGM’s presence across Europe
CALIFORNIA: MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, a unit of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has entered into an agreement with UPC Nederland B.V, Holland’s largest cable operator, to launch the MGM Channel for the first time in the Netherlands. In India, the channel has a JV with Zee.
MGM Networks executive VP Bruce Tuchman said: “The Netherlands is one of the largest cable markets in Europe and UPC is the country’s leading cable operator. We are excited to be making this deal as it will offer Dutch digital subscribers access to an even greater choice of compelling content, while opening up a new revenue stream for us in one of the most highly penetrated cable markets in the world.”
The MGM Movie Channel plans to present round-the-clock offerings from MGM’s celebrated 4,000-title library, the largest modern film library in the world, including Annie Hall, Bull Durham, , Midnight Cowboy. The channel is expected during the first quarter of 2003 and will also be made available to other Dutch cable operators.
Distribution of MGM’s channel in Holland will join the company’s growing stable of worldwide network interests in over 90 countries, including branded channels in India, Europe, Latin America, , Israel, Turkey and New Zealand, as well as the Middle East and South Korea.
In October 2002, MGM announced the planned launch of a customised channel in Germany which is anticipated to debut on the Premiere Pay TV platform during the second quarter of 2003. In the last year, MGM has grown by four-fold the number of territories in which it has established a channel presence.
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.
