News Headline
RPG group chairman Harsh Goenka supports Zee TV’s Punit Goenka
MUMBAI: The media has been full of cacophonic noise about the boardroom battle that is going on at Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Some investor groups have lauded the initiative by two of the company’s two main investors to reconstitute the board and oust CEO & managing director Punit Goenka (who represents the promoter family being Subhash Chandra’s son) for failing to professionalise the management and enhancing the shareholder value.
Institutional Investor Advisory Services founder Anil Singhvi is quite vociferous that Zee is one of the best Indian media companies but needs to be in the hands of a good professional CEO. Speaking to moneycontrol.com he said that the promoter family should also be happy about this. “They have a four per cent stake and already their value has gone up with the share price rising 25-30 per cent on the announcement by the two institutional investors to hold an EGM to move out Goenka and the resignation of the two directors,” he pointed out.
However, smaller shareholders voiced their confidence in Punit’s ability to get Zee back as a stellar performer during the company’s AGM on 14 September where he explained the initiatives that were underway under his leadership. Punit also reiterated that there were no hidden or shady related third party transactions under his charge as is being alleged.
There are many in the industry who point out that Punit has definitely brought In professionalism into the company by bringing in executives at the leadership level from companies such as Hindustan Lever, Future, BCCI, and Aditya Birla group and built a good management team.
Among them is corporate leader Harsh Goenka (chairman of the $3.80 billion RPG group and no relation to Punit). Harsh has come out in support of Punit.
Late in the evening of 15 September Harsh tweeted: “I just can’t understand why would a large investor try to destabilise a good leader, a good management team, which has a track record to show. If valid reasons were given, it’s different. A dangerous trend! #Zee.”
I just can’t understand why would a large investor try to destabilise a good leader, a good management team, which has a track record to show. If valid reasons were given, it’s different. A dangerous trend! #Zee
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 15, 2021
Most of his followers on Twitter seconded his view, while the naysayers said the promoter family had it coming.
The coming days will decide whether the street and Zee’s investors will have the last word. Or the promoter family.
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.
