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Punjab Kings announces partnership with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation & M3M Foundation
Mumbai: On International Women’s Day, the KPH Dream Cricket Ltd via the Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings announced their partnership with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation & M3M Foundation to support girl child education and skills. As part of the partnership, the Punjab Kings will help in amplifying the initiative with implementation partners Shikhar Dhawan Foundation (SDF), in collaboration with Funding partner M3M Foundation.
In an innovative scholarship, the M3M Foundation with its implementing partner Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, will commit support to one girl child for her vocational education for every 25 runs scored or three wickets taken by Punjab Kings during their home games. Through the initiative, the organisation will offer vocational education support to 111 girls for up to Rs. 5 Lakhs, covering a total amount of Rs 5.55 crore over the next five years.
The scholarship would be used towards funding the education of deserving girls from economically disadvantaged homes for their higher vocational training to make them independent financially and to shape their future. The funds will be provided to the girls from the undergraduate level till they finish graduating and will be agnostic to their education choice.
The enrolments for the scholarships will be taken through registrations at the https://shikhardhawanfoundation.com/ Website.
Speaking on the initiative, Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan said, “I am delighted that my IPL franchise decided to partner with our cause and amplify our initiative in such a unique and interesting way. With the support of our Shers, we hope to secure the future of young girls in the country and to ensure our aid reaches those who are in need to have a sustainable future.”
KPH Dream Cricket Ltd CEO Satish Menon said, “This is a wonderful initiative, and we are delighted to do our part in enabling equal opportunities to each one. We are confident that we will be able to help those in need, and we hope to create a society where all girls can spread their wings and achieve their dreams.”
M3M Foundation chairperson and trustee Dr Payal Kanodia said “As stewards of progress and champions of change, we acknowledge that educating girls is pivotal in building a thriving society. We are happy that together, we are trying to pave the path towards a future where every girl, irrespective of her background, is empowered through education to reach her fullest potential and illuminate the world with her brilliance. With deep appreciation, we extend our gratitude to Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and Punjab Kings for their invaluable partnership in advancing girl child education with us through this initiative.”
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.
