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NGC prez Howard T Owens to step down in June
MUMBAI: The National Geographic Channels US president Howard T Owens has decided to move on from the network post June, 2014.
Owens has been with NGC since late 2011. He was previously a longtime exec at Reveille and an agent at William Morris Agency. During his tenure at NGC he launched the franchise series Wicked Tuna, Brain Games and Ultimate Survival Alaska, among others, and led the move into event productions like SEAL Team Six and The ’80s: The Decade That Made Us. He also introduced original scripted programming to the channels for the first time. Owens also served as president of Nat Geo Wild.
“Howard injected remarkable energy into the National Geographic Channels brand,” said NGC US CEO David Lyle in a press statement. “He has been an invaluable member of our leadership team and we wish him nothing but the best in his future business endeavors.”
“We have truly benefited from Howard’s zeal for bringing audiences innovative programming that underscores the uniqueness and depth of the National Geographic Channels brand,” added Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Peter Rice. “From a creative and programming perspective, Howard’s work consistently broke new ground, and National Geographic Channels are uniquely positioned for the future as a result of his efforts.”
Owens stated: “As I get ready for my next adventure I can’t help but reflect on what has been an incredible experience for me, both personally and professionally. National Geographic Channels have some of the brightest minds in the television business, and I’m proud of the work we have accomplished together – specifically in defining the National Geographic Channels as a destination for innovative, original and brand-defining creativity. I am deeply grateful to Peter, David and the entire National Geographic family for their collaboration and support, and look forward to working with them in new ways in the future.”
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.
