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Sakal Media Group launches four flagship podcasts with Ideabrew Studios
Mumbai: Sakal Media Group has joined hands with podcast company Ideabrew Studios to launch a multi-genre lineup of podcasts. As part of the association, the company will create, produce, distribute, and monetise the podcasts for Sakal Media Group.
The launch is in line with the group’s objective to expand their digital foray and create newer avenues to reach out to newer, younger, and digital-first audiences, said the media company in a statement.
“As we begin a new chapter for us at Sakal Media, we are glad to associate with one of the leading platforms for podcasts. Ideabrew will be instrumental in giving shape to our audio shows through their insights and industry expertise,” stated Sakal Media Group head of platform – content Stefanie Maria Feicht. “With the association, we want to explore newer avenues to reach out to audiences by being present on the platforms where our target audience are consuming content.”
The lineup featuring varied podcast content covering news, inspirational stories, sports, and general news trivia includes “Sakalchya Batmya – Top 10 news of the day,” “IPL Run-Sangram” – an IPL-focused show with daily previews and reviews of the matches, “Lakshya Asta Maaza” – a news-commentary podcast hosted by Prasann Joshi, and “Inspiring Stories” – a show focused on sharing motivational stories of people who have had to face struggles to make it big in their fields.
“With listeners consuming content through different platforms, we wanted to expand our digital footprint and also our offerings. Our various offerings feature eminent industry experts, who, through their insightful conversations, aid in inculcating a sense of innovation and motivation amongst the people,” said Sakal Media Group’s head of digital business Swapnil Malpathak.
The podcasts will be available on all audio platforms including Spotify, JioSaavn, Gaana, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Prime Music, Wynk, Hungama, Epic On, and over 50 other platforms globally, said the statement.
“At Ideabrew, our vision is to create content that appeases the listener and benefits the brand,” commented Ideabrew Studios CEO Aditya Kuber. “Sakal Group aims to inform people and elevate the brand to newer heights through digital avenues. The podcasts offer multi-genre content, right from daily news to IPL trivia to inspiring stories, while also getting experts on board for the listeners.”
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.
