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SET India announces ‘Lagaan maaf’ contest
MUMBAI: In a bid to generate maximum excitement around the 27 October airing of the Oscar-nominated blockbuster Lagaan (which means tax), Sony Entertainment Television has announced a special “Lagaan Maaf Contest”.
As part of this contest, viewers will be asked a question during the screening of the movie. Amongst all the participants that answer the question correctly, 11 lucky winners will be selected through a random draw. Sony Entertainment Television India will reimburse these 11 winners of their previous year’s income tax up-to-a maximum of Rs 50,000.
Lagaan airs on SET on Sunday, 27 October at 7 pm. In addition, a special half hour episode capturing the very best moments of this great movie – The Spirit of Lagaan – will be telecast on Tuesday, 22 October at 8 pm on SET.
A multi-media campaign has been planned to promote the premiere of Lagaan on television. According to an official release, the “Lagaan Maaf Contest” is positioned as a key marketing driver to encourage mass participation of the viewers through press, outdoor and radio advertising targeted at all Hindi speaking towns.
The promos of the movie are already on air and the “Lagaan Maaf Contest” promos kick-start from October 14, 2002.
The movie has generated considerable interest amongst advertisers and sponsorship has already been sold out, the release states. A string of activities are planned for the advertisers to create and sustain the build-up to the premiere.
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.
