News Headline
Nita Ambani launches ISL grassroots football programme
MUMBAI: When the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) was introduced, there was a lot of talk about emphasis being laid on the development of the sports at the grassroots level. Football Sports Development (FDSL) founder and chairperson Nita Ambani, launched the league’s grassroots football movement recently.
The programme aims to create a platform for the development of grassroots football activity and talent-scouting across the country. It aims to reach out to a million young footballers in the first few years and expose them to the best practices in global football.
“Sports is important to build character and channelise the abundant energy of our children in a positive direction. Now that we are approaching the business-end of the league, we are launching the soul of ISL – the grassroots programme,” Ambani said.
This long-term initiative will be a joint effort of ISL, the eight ISL clubs, Reliance Foundation and three NGOs – Magic Bus in Mumbai, Delhi, Raigad and Bangalore; slum soccer in Nagpur, Thane and Navi Mumbai; and Yuwa in Jharkhand.
In the first phase, the programme will aim to reach out to 5,00,000 children through in-school and maidan initiatives, beginning early 2015. The outreach will focus on introduction of kids to football, training and talent-scouting through a series of selection modules across the country.
ISL will also distribute 1,00,000 footballs with a specific focus on towns and villages across the country.
Being Human founder and actor Salman Khan, who endorsed the programme said, “I am happy to be part of the programme and Ambani’s vision to develop India as a footballing nation. This programme will shape the next generation of Indian footballers.”
Top talent in the age group of 10 to 13 that emerges from these camps will undergo another selection process to be picked for Reliance Foundation’s YoungChamps scholarship. The full-time residential scholarship, provided over three-to-seven year period, will also cover their education.
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.
