News Headline
Raja partners with Society Tea for IBSF Championship, brewing success
MUMBAI: In a move that promises to steep the competition, Society Tea has teamed up with India’s cue sports champion, Venkateswaran Subramanian, fondly known as Raja, ahead of the International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) Championship in Ireland. The event, taking place from April 12 to 16, 2025, will see Raja don the Society Tea logo proudly on his waistcoat, representing a partnership that’s as strong as the finest brew.
Raja’s journey in the world of billiards is steeped in perseverance. From his roots in local circuits to making his mark globally, he has become a beacon of resilience. Despite facing multiple disabilities, Raja competes against the world’s top cueists, showing the world that passion and skill know no boundaries. His journey from the grassroots to the global stage is a testament to his unwavering determination and talent.
Society Tea director, Chintan Shah said, “Raja is more than just a champion in his sport, he is family. We have seen his journey up close, and supporting him as he represents India on the global stage is an absolute honor. At Society Tea, we believe in standing by our own, and Raja is a perfect example of that. We are proud to support him in this journey and look forward to celebrating his achievements as he represents India at the IBSF Championship.”
Expressing his gratitude, Venkateswaran Subramanian (Raja) said, “India has secured an impressive 45 World Championships in the twin sports of Billiards and Snooker, showcasing its rich legacy of excellence. It is truly commendable that Society Tea is stepping forward to support and promote this magnificent sport, setting an example for corporate backing in the sporting arena.”
With Society Tea by his side, Raja is all set to take the cue sports world by storm, proving once again that with the right support, champions can rise above all odds. Whether on the green baize or in the corporate world, this partnership is brewing up something special.
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.
