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Rajesh Devraj joins SET as executive creative director
MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television has appointed Rajesh Devraj as executive creative director to spearhead SET’s creative content and programming.
A company release states that Devraj’s key responsibilities will include providing the creative & strategic direction to SET’s programming, defining the look and feel of the shows and evolving characters to be showcased. He is tasked with creating an environment to build the best talent pool and above all provide a unique creative edge to SET in the market place.
As a member of the initial team that set up Channel [V] and developed its brand identity, Devraj moved on to become creative director & programming head of the channel and was instrumental in the success of the channel. Devraj also worked with MTV where he wrote and conceptualized its first show out of India, Oye MTV, the show that was created when MTV was part of the Star Network.
As a creative person, Devraj worked with Hindustan Thompson Associates (HTA) and Enterprise Advertising on campaigns such as Hero Allegro, Hero Ranger, Maurya Sheraton, Maggie Sauces and Maruti Corporate, Leela Kempinski, Nirlep, Zero-B and Vazir Sultan Tobacco amongst many award-winning ones.
In his role prior to SET, as writer, director & consultant (under the name Thoughtbubble) he has handled various projects, the release says.
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.
