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Sony Asia to buttress its popularity via road show, melas and events
MUMBAI: In your face promotions seem to be in demand these days. While on the home grounds, Sony has displayed some brilliant promotional gigs to promote its fare, for its international feed -SET Asia- the channel will be unveiling exclusive summer road shows and melas.
The channel is also looking at entertaining viewers both on screen and off through its sponsorship of major Asian Melas and events.
The road show will feature some of the biggest musical acts around, featuring up-and-coming UK chart sensation Raghav and the golden boy of Hindi-pop Sonu Nigam. In addition to enjoying these fabulous performances, the viewing public will also have the chance to get signed photographs of them on the day, says an official communiqué.
At the Asian Lifestyle Show 2004, visitors will also get an exclusive chance to meet the famous Jassi from Sony’s flagship show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, as well as a host of Bollywood stars including Sonali Bendre, John Abraham and Bipasha Basu.
Announcing the show, SET Asia’s executive vice president for International business Rajan Singh was quoted in the release as saying, “Sony Entertainment Television Asia has a long history of supporting Melas and other Asian events across the UK. This summer is no different, kicking off with the Bradford Mela taking place at Peel Park on 26 and 27 June. These Melas and event will give us a unique opportunity to bring the quality entertainment that we are renowned for to the heart of the Asian community.”
That apart, SET Asia is also looking at making its presence felt through music, promotions and great give-aways. The channel release claims that there will be something for everyone from SET Asia goody bags through to a chance to win a state of the Sony PlayStation 2 as well as many more prizes.
The visitors to the SET Asia stand also stand a chance to claim a one month free trial viewing to Sony Entertainment Television Asia.
The channel has announced the lucky winner of its exclusive Your Lucky Day competition. Mrs Doshi from London has won a 15 night holiday for four people to Florida and the Caribbean worth over ?7,000. Besides four nights in Orlando, four nights in Fort Lauderdale, three nights in Grand Bahama and four nights in Jamaica with all flights and luxury accommodation, Doshi will also get ?500 spending money.
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.
