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Reality TV guru Mark Burnett invites fans to jump in
MUMBAI:: Have a fresh spin on a reality TV show? Here’s your chance to pitch it to the ‘Hollywood Hitman’ who pioneered the genre.
Beverage brand Bass has teamed up with Mark Burnett who created hits like Survivor and The Apprentice. The promotion seeks to inspire fans in the US to jump in and make their mark.
The Make Your Mark promotion will run in the US up till 31 March 2005. Entrants can log on to www.Bass.com and submit their idea for a reality TV show. Based on the originality, creative execution and entertainment value of the concepts submitted, Bass will select three finalists — one of whom will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000. All three finalists win the opportunity to meet with Mark Burnett in person later this year and hear from the master what makes great reality TV.
InBev USA imports the Bass brand. Its director of marketing-European Brands Victor Melendez said, “The Bass drinker is one who is always reaching for greatness, aspiring to achieve his personal, professional and life goals.
“Who better than Mark Burnett, who created the cultural phenomenon of reality unscripted drama and whose new motivational book is entitled Jump In Even if You do Not Know How to Swim, to exemplify the brand’s personality?. Burnett knows better than anyone that jumping into life with both feet first isn’t always easy — in his pursuit of success, he has taken countless chances and flirted with outrageous failure dozens of times. But in the long run, he notes, the rewards are so much greater for the risk.”
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.
