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News18 elevates Prabal Pratap Singh to group editor of Hindi cluster
MUMBAI: News18 Network, India’s largest news network, has announced key elevations in the senior editorial team of the Hindi news cluster. Leading some of the most disruptive brands in the Hindi television news industry, the promotions recognize valuable contribution by its talent and aims to drive the next level of journalistic excellence.
With an aim to build the Hindi cluster of the News18 Network as the most influential voice across the key markets, Prabal Pratap Singh has been elevated to Group Editor, Hindi Cluster. Prabal has been instrumental in reshaping News18 India which has disrupted the industry. In his new role, he will lead the editorial strategy across all the Hindi news channels to deliver seamless yet distinct experiences across the channels based on a deep understanding of the brand to elevate the offerings to the viewers.
Kishore Ajwani, currently the Deputy Managing Editor of News18 India and one of the most popular faces of the Hindi news prime-time, has been named the Managing Editor of the channel. Over the last few years, Kishore has played a significant role in transforming the brand which has now even toppled the market leader to become the top choice of the viewers in the urban market. In addition to his current role of leading the output function, he will now be managing all the key functions such as input, output, production and assignment. He will report to Prabal Pratap Singh.
Amish Devgan, who has been leading the prime time with his explosive shows such as ‘Aar Paar’ on News18 India and ‘Takkar’ on CNBC Awaaz has been promoted to Managing Editor of News18 Uttar Pradesh, News18 Madhya Pradesh and News18 Rajasthan. He has been tasked with the additional responsibility of further strengthening the regional Hindi news channels.
News18 Network has also given additional responsibilities to Brajesh Kumar Singh, Consulting Editor. He will now lead News18 Gujarat and News18 Bihar.
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.
