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Pro Kabaddi League ignites nationwide passion in schools and camps
Mumbai: Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League has been an absolute delight for fans, infusing an electrifying dose of excitement and passion not only within the stadium but also permeating through schools, institutions, and kabaddi camps nationwide. To forge an even stronger connection between the game and its aficionados, a captivating initiative kicked off on 1 December 2023 in cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru– the Canter Activity.
The canter’s tentative route ingeniously combines school visits in the mornings and afternoons, where students are treated to riveting match highlights and Kabaddi content. The canter’s mission doesn’t stop at schools; it extends to Kabaddi camps and bustling locations with high footfall. Here, spectators are treated to live matches, intensifying the thrill and spectacle of the game.
The Pro Kabaddi League’s strategic activation aims at casting a wider net, attracting fresh audiences to the sport. With a particular focus on engaging kids, the initiative aspires to nurture a genuine interest in Kabaddi. By bringing the essence of the game to schools, the canter activity endeavours to create a ripple effect, channelling the newfound enthusiasm of students towards attending live matches.
More than just a promotional endeavour, these canter activations serve as pivotal instruments in heightening the overall excitement and thrill associated with the Pro Kabaddi League. By venturing into communities, schools, and camps, the Pro Kabaddi League not only expands its fan base but also deepens the roots of the sport across diverse demographics.
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.
