News Headline
Republic Kannada Summit ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ sets new Industry benchmark with lineup
Mumbai: Two months within launch, Karnataka news channel Republic Kannada has set a new Industry benchmark with its highly successful Republic Kannada Summit titled: Maha Sangma with ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ or a Dream Karnataka as its theme.
The ground event, held on the the 1 of December in Bengaluru hosted over 40 top personalities from across Karnataka, in an event that was live non stop on the ground and on Live broadcast from 8 am to 8 pm, thereby setting a record for the industry.
The Summit, aimed at getting the biggest voices from the state to speak on what it takes to be a ‘Dream Karnataka’, brought together topmost religious figures, ministers, politicians across the political spectrum, activists, actors, academics, scientists, thinkers, veterans, top diplomats and biggest nationalist voices, all on one stage.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar attended the event and in a one hour interaction, deliberated on politics, Brand Bengaluru and his vision of ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ or a dream Karnataka. Top ministers including Ramalinga Reddy, Chaluvaraya Swamy, former chief ministers Sadananda Gowda, Basavaraj Bommai, MPs Tejaswi Surya, Pratap Simha attended the event. JDS chief & former CM HD Kumaraswamy, leader Of Oppn R Ashoka made a joint appearance at the Summit. BJP state president BY Vijayendra gave his maiden interview at the Republic Kannada Summit while speaking about the challenges he faces in his new role.
Young political voices Raksha Ramaiah, Pradip Easwar shared the stage on the need for youth to join the battle for a greater Karnataka. ISRO Scientist part of Chandrayaan 3 Mission, Dr Uma was at the Republic Kannada Summit and along with Actor Bhavana, Former Minister Shashikala Jolle were on the Women’s panel. Deliberating on the Kaveri issue were farmer leaders Kuruburu Shantakumar, Badagalpura Nagendra. Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman of the legislative council deliberated on ways in which constitution can strengthen the fight for the real issues of the people of Karnataka.
Republic Kannada Summit paid tribute to stars & late actors Puneeth Rajkumar and Chiranjeevi Sarja. Actors Meghana Raj, Saptami Gowda graced the Summit as they discussed ways in which cinema can take the Karnataka story forward. Thinker Chakravarthy Sulibele, Ambassador N Parthasarathi, Air Marshal Murali (Retd) spoke about the ‘Nation First’ principle at the event.
Addressing the event and gathering virtually, editor in chief Arnab Goswami thanked the people of Karnataka for blessing the youngest channel of the network with the overwhelming response. He thanked the guests virtually for being a part of the first Republic Kannada Summit.
Launched on the 23 September, Republic Kannada has already set new records with its opening on BARC with the third highest time spent in the breaking news day news wheel. Within two months, the channel has set standards for the entire industry with its 100 per cent news approach that has also forced other channels to change their formats. It is the channel of choice for news for the six crore people of Karnataka.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








