News Headline
Network18’s Saraswathi Anand wins Gold medal at ‘World Powerlifting Championship’ held in Egypt
Mumbai: Sports have the ability to transform lives and promote gender equality by encouraging resilience and self-assurance. Women in sports transcend gender preconceptions and social standards and serve as inspiring role models for the country. One such woman is Saraswathi Anand from Bengaluru, who is Network18 assistant vice president.
The 42-year-old media professional is also a powerlifter. She has cleared the 100 Kg lift at the ‘World Powerlifting Championship’ in Egypt and bagged a Gold medal. Anand marked her win on International Women’s Day, making her a true inspiration to all the women and girls around the world.
She has been successfully managing her family and fulfilling her dreams, while positively overseeing her responsibilities as Network18 Media & Investments AVP – marketing and product (language cluster). Anand has also won numerous more national championships, including Silver at the 2021 WPC Nationals, Gold at the 2022 Pro League Nationals, and Gold at the 2022 WPC Nationals.
A mother of 11-year-old twins, Anand always aspired to lead by example for her kids, by taking positive steps in her professional and personal journey which would inspire them. Reflecting on her latest achievement, Anand expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support she received from both her family and colleagues at Network18. She added, “This achievement is the sum of hard work and support extended to me by my family and my colleagues at Network18. Their encouragement allowed me to push myself forward and win the top prize. Network18 gave me enough flexibility to balance my work life, home and powerlifting all at the same time. From adapting work to my training schedules and allowing work from home during special training sessions, I am grateful for the support from the organisation.”
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.
