News Headline
NGC to launch production unit in Singapore
NEW DELHI: National Geographic Channel (NGC) has announced the launch of a global production unit in Singapore in 2004, to take advantage of the huge documentary production community based in the Asia Pacific region and produce programmes relevant for global audiences.
The unit in Singapore will develop a production model to tap the growing creative and business opportunities in Asia by identifying funding sources and developing new talents.
A company release quoted NGC India MD Zubin Gandevia as saying, “There is a wealth of talent, ideas and funding sources available in Asia. This strategic move reflects the emphasis the channel places on developing the production community in Asian.”
He added, “In fact with the success of Mission Everest, we have proved that we are well-positioned to produce great programming.”
Mission Everest, a NGC India-owned initiative, produced by using local film-making talent, was aired recently and turned out to be a huge accomplishment for the channel.
Another interesting India-specific programme, Adventure Diaries, produced entirely out of India will also be aired on the channel in 2004.
National Geographic has also signed a four-year multimillion-dollar production deal with Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) to further promote documentary production in India.
The NGCI-EDB deal will invite entries from Asian filmmakers and provide funds to select participants to facilitate the production of quality programming for global viewing, the release said.
NGC Asia is currently distributed to over 30 million 24-hour homes and over 50 million day-part cable homes in Asia Pacific.
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.
