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Sonic turns 10, celebrates with special campaign ‘Tenniversary’
Mumbai: Sonic, part of India’s kids entertainment franchise Nickelodeon, is celebrating the completion of its decade-long journey with a special birthday campaign ‘Tenniversary’. The channel was launched on 19 December, 2011.
The campaign is conceptualised with a focus on partnerships, expansive influencer promotions, and digital engagement through an array of exciting activities to keep children entertained.
Sonic has risen through the ranks from the seventh position since its launch a decade ago to the third in 2020-21, and currently at the top in its anniversary week. With viewers spending 119 minutes on an average per week, it currently commands a 13 per cent market share. It plays a significant role in strengthening leadership for the Nickelodeon franchise with a reach of 28.2 million as of November 2021.
The channel’s first launch was ‘Kung Fu Panda- The Legend of Awesomeness’. Its latest home-grown IP ‘Pinaki & Happy – The Bhoot Bandhus’ contributes 30 per cent of the channel’s ratings, consistently appearing in the category’s top 10 slots since launch.
“When we started our journey with Sonic a decade ago, we took a plunge in the highly competitive kids category. From then to now, Sonic has grown leaps and bounds. The success story of Sonic is a result of our kids-first approach in driving innovation with pioneering homegrown content that has made Nickelodeon the leading franchise,” said Viacom18 – head of Hindi mass entertainment & kids TV network Nina Jaipuria. “We are happy to have built a brand that is a destination which kids return to for their daily dose of entertainment. We look forward to the next phase with enthusiasm.”
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.
