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Pryor & Associates kicks off 2004 with new accounts
MUMBAI: International marketing and public relations firm Pryor & Associates which has its headquarters in Los Angeles, has started off 2004 on the fast track, winning new public relations accounts and assignments. This was announced by founder Jeff Pryor.
The firm will launch Wine Network TV, the world’s first and only 24/7 interactive television network dedicated to everything related to wine and today’s wine enthusiast lifestyle. The new network’s programming covers a broad range of wine-related themes, including food, travel, fashion, health, art and culture, entertainment, and more. Wine Network TV is all set to launch officially this year in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with Pryor & Associates mapping out and executing strategic publicity plans for each territory.
In another significant development, Pryor & Associates has also renewed its agreement with PROMAX&BDA, the global non-profit association dedicated to advancing the role and effectiveness of promotion marketing and design professionals in the electronic media. Pryor’s big assignment is to handle corporate communications and related marketing assignments for PROMAX&BDA’s annual conference, which will be held at the New York Hilton and Towers from 23 – 25 June.
Pryor & Associates will work in conjunction with the impressive array of confirmed speakers, which include NBC News’ Brian Williams, Stuart Elliott of The New York Times, Oxygen Media founder, chairwoman and CEO, Geraldine Laybourne as well as cultural visionary Russell Simmons, chairman and CEO of Rush Communications and founder of Def Jam Recordings. Noted author Dominick Dunne will share his experiences with PROMAX&BDA members, who will also benefit from the knowledge and know-how shared by FOX Sports Czar David Hill and Judith McGrath, president of MTV Music Television, as well as from the personal story of Tony-award winning actor, accomplished musician, composer, conductor and producer Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Pryor & Associates is also the agency of record for the European chapter of the organisation PROMAX&BDA Europe. In 2004, Pryor & Associates will also assist in launching the association’s first promotional conference in the Middle East and Africa as well as publicising one-day workshops in Madrid, Warsaw, and Paris.
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.
