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RCB signs Duraguard Cement as principal partner for IPL 2018
MUMBAI: Nuvoco Vistas (formerly Lafarge India) has been signed on by Indian Premier League team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as its principal partner.
Nuvoco’s Duraguard Cement has cemented its position on the back of the RCB jersey as the team’s principal partner for the 11th season of the IPL.
The event in Kolkata on Tuesday also marked the unveiling of the new jersey for RCB.
Speaking on the occasion, Duraguard Cement chief of sales, marketing and innovation Madhumita Basu said, “We are proud and delighted to be associated as principal partner with a dynamic and unique team like RCB. Their style of play is quite innovative and the squad is dynamic and charismatic with players like AB de Villiers, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav; not to mention skipper Virat Kohli. Their passion for the game coupled with a never-say-die attitude is appreciated universally; very similar to the promise inherent in Duraguard Cement, a technologically advanced product which contributes to the longevity and durability of any building structure. We salute the RCB sustainability approach of playing one game each season with a green jersey made of recycled plastic. Incidentally, Duraguard Cement is also available in green bags.”
Adding to this, RCB chairman Amrit Thomas said, “Duraguard Cement and RCB are a bold fit. Duraguard is an epitome of strength and durability, which are also characteristics that determine success in cricket and hence RCB is very happy with Duraguard as back of jersey partner.”
The RCB team, led by team India’s skipper, Virat Kohli, includes distinguished players like AB de Villiers, Chris Woakes, Brendon McCullum, Mooen Ali, Tim Southee and Parthiv Patel, among others.
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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.
