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Nick has a Chhota VJ in Shiv Tandon
MUMBAI: The nationwide Nickelodeon Chhota VJ hunt which kicked off in May this year and traveled to Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Chennai for auditions has zeroed upon 11-year -old Shiv Tandon, from Ambala Cantt , Haryana. Shiv Tandon was declared the lucky winner among 4300 entries, says an official release
” I simply can’t believe that I have become the Nickelodeon Chhota VJ, but now that I am one , I am going to try and use the platform given to me , to spread awareness about social evils that are plaguing our society, about the precious wildlife we need to preserve and .. have fun with Nick” , says Shiv Tandon, the winner of the Nickelodeon Chhota VJ Hunt. The Chhota VJ, will soon host his own Bollywood music based show , which will air in November 2002.
“Shiv Tandon was chosen out of thousands of entries from across the country cause he exemplifies what the channel stands for-spontaneity, wit, energy but most importantly fun . I’m sure kids across India will enjoy being themselves with Chhota VJ Shiv on Nickelodeon.”, MTV India , VP marketing , Vikram Raizada was quoted as saying in the release.
The Chhota VJ Hunt was launched by Nestle Munch in association with Kellogg’s Chocos, Chhota Pepsi, Act II Popcorn, Hero Cycles and Archies .
Nickelodeon is the world’s only multi-media entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids . A multi-award winner in creating innovative kids TV programming, it shows a variety of programmes including animation, game shows , live action , comedy and science fiction.
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.
