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Salaam Cricket bings India’s cricket greats together on Aaj Tak
MUMBAI: With the ICC T20 World Cup just around the corner, Aaj Tak is stepping up the excitement with Salaam Cricket, a flagship event that brings India’s most recognisable cricket voices into one room to talk shop, stories and strategy.
Positioned as the ultimate curtain-raiser to the global tournament, Salaam Cricket promises sharp insights wrapped in easy conversation. From current form and team combinations to pressure moments that decide big games, the event aims to make sense of Team India’s World Cup readiness without drowning viewers in jargon.
At the heart of the discussion is Rishabh Pant, who will reflect on life as a World Cup winner while offering a modern take on leadership, resilience and the realities of elite cricket today. The fast bowlers then take charge, with Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav unpacking the art of pace, swing and survival in the fast-changing world of T20 cricket. Adding a layer of history, veterans Madan Lal, Atul Wassan and Chetan Sharma will dip into India’s rich bowling past, proving that old lessons still travel well.
A standout moment is set to be a special session with Sunil Gavaskar. The ‘Little Master’ will reflect on technique, temperament and how the game has evolved across generations. World Cup winners Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Yuzvendra Chahal will also share what it truly takes to thrive on the biggest stage, where talent alone is never enough.
The evening will conclude with a high-powered panel discussion as cricket’s finest weigh in on India’s road ahead and the ingredients needed to lift the trophy once more.
With Salaam Cricket, Aaj Tak reinforces its reputation for accessible, engaging sports journalism that speaks to die-hard fans and casual viewers alike. Trusted, conversational and packed with perspective, the event underlines why the channel remains a familiar voice for millions of Indians, both on and off the field.
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.
