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Nimbus’ Khurana introduces Qalam 2003
MUMBAI: Indiantelevision.com’s scriptwriters’ course Qalam was officially flagged off today at production house Siddhant Cinevision’s office in Mumbai with an introduction by Nimbus Communications CEO Dr Akash Khurana.
An orientation by Khurana, course coordinator Aditya Seth, and Vinod Ranganath set the tone for the first day of the course. Emphasising the importance of close interaction of students with the coordinators as also within themselves, the faculty managed to create a relaxed atmosphere for preliminary introductions of students and faculty alike.
As quite a few of the students were holding jobs, concerns of convenient timings and schedules were discussed and worked out. The introductions and discussions threw up interesting insights into the backgrounds of those present. The class of Qalam 2003 came across as a diverse mix of people – some with extensive experience in related fields and others fresh from college – each hoping to bring in their own perspectives to the hands-on and interactive learning approach.
The faculty took due care to ask each one of them and assess what each wanted or expected from the course and what they planned to do with the education Qalam would impart them. The coordinators also explained what they as media experts looked for in terms of performance, dedication, and ethical play.
As Khurana aptly put it to the students, “We’re sharing our hard-earned knowledge with you and we expect you to respect and learn from what we’ve accumulated over the years – quite like in the gurukul system.”
Looking at the enthusiastic response from the participants, Qalam, the only course that fills the need for trained television and film writers, is on and well on its way.
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Scriptwriters course Qalam 2003 kicks off Saturday
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.
