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Network18 Digital elevates Ranadeep Chakravarty as marketing head
MUMBAI: Network18 Digital, the digital arm of Network18, announced the elevation of Ranadeep Chakravarty to marketing head of Firstpost, News18 and in.com. In his new role, he will lead all marketing, communications and strategic partnerships for Firstpost, News18 (English) and in.com. He will also oversee the public relations and trade communication activities for the three brands.
Chakravarty brings with him 15 years of experience in both digital and mainline advertising and marketing. With a keen eye for design and vast knowledge in branding, he has significantly contributed in designing a number of commendable digital products, campaigns and brand identities for Network18.
Prior to joining Network18, he was at the forefront in leading creative and brand strategy duties at various MNCs and Indian agencies, namely Bates Worldwide, Rediffusion, Madison, Rediff.com and LK Saatchi & Saatchi to name a few.
Speaking about his new role, Chakravarty said, “I am excited to undertake the new responsibilities with Network18. It has been a great journey till now. Our efforts have got Firstpost in the top five leading Indian media digital publications. In my new role, the focus will be to continue to engage a diverse set of audience with strong, relevant and original content. I look forward to leading the team and enhancing the brand resonance through innovative ideas, brand partnerships and unique properties across segments.”
The trio of News18.com, Firstpost and in.com continue to stay ahead of the curve by being the go-to destination of online news. Having reached out to 70 million unique visitors, Firstpost and News18 are known to be India’s most influential digital news destinations in English. Additionally, now with the recently re-launched in.com, all three news sites reach out to larger masses that follow the diverse segments of politics, business, sports and entertainment.
Commenting on the announcement, Network18 digital business head English general news cluster Azim Lalani said, “Network18 is strengthening its foothold in the digital space at a rapid pace. This is visible by the fact that it has acquired a very high number of unique visitors in a short period of time. By bringing the marketing activities of the three properties – Firstpost, News18.com and in.com – under one head, we plan to further align, strengthen and accelerate the growth of immensely popular news portals. Ranadeep has been instrumental in leading the marketing activities and effective brand collaborations at Firstpost. We are confident that his in-depth expertise and exceptional creativity will enable the websites to be recognized as the desired news destination that provides relevant, insightful and hard-hitting news.”
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.
