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NewsX hires Times’ former exec Kukian as COO, to oversee entertainment & sports too
MUMBAI: iTV Network, one of the fastest growing news networks, has appointed Ashit Kukian as the NewsX COO and iTV CRO – regionals, entertainment & sports businesses.
In this new role, his responsibilities will include providing leadership and strategic direction to create new revenue generation opportunities in the market for iTV Network.
iTV Network founder & promoter Kartikeya Sharma said, “Ashit is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results. Ashit, with his in-depth understanding of the advertising ecosystem, shall be a great asset to leverage the revenue opportunities.”
iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli said, “Ashit will bring his rich experience and expertise in growing iTV Network, and taking it to the next level. His understanding of the market will be of immense value to our network.”
Kukian said, “What’s more exciting is the group is providing me an opportunity to handle new initiatives that have been planned for the near future.”
Kukian was the president – revenue for Times Network. A part of the leadership team, Kukian strengthened the networks’ efforts in meeting its aggressive growth targets.
Prior to joining the Times Network, Kukian was the president and COO at Radio City.
Kukian, a Bachelor of Science from Mumbai University, invested 13 years at the Times Group managing various important roles. In his last assignment at the group, he was part of the core team that launched Zoom.
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.
