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Sony BBC Earth makes people ‘Feel Alive’ with metaverse experience
Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth, a trailblazer in the realm of factual entertainment, brings forth an innovation in the metaverse space. Recognised for its awe-inspiring content and compelling storytelling, the channel is poised to redefine engagement by integrating its brand promise of making people ‘Feel Alive’ with fascinating virtual worlds.
The brand has developed two virtual worlds offering an unparalleled journey into the metaverse. Sony BBC Earth is giving viewers an opportunity to step into the polar region and witness the breath-taking Aurora lights, inhabited by enchanting beings like penguins, seals, and polar bears. Tropical rainforest gives a chance to take a walk through alongside the lush green canopy teeming with exotic animals such as the Toucan, Cheetah, Crocodile, and Jackal. The brand is offering a virtual expedition alongside captivating creatures, offering a unique opportunity to experience the wild within the confines of the city.
Sony BBC Earth in collaboration with The Little Flea Market is extending the metaverse experience to people of all ages. It promises a visual extravaganza, and an immersive adventure, providing attendees with an experience like never before.
Sony AATH business operations head and Sony Pictures Networks India head – marketing & insights, English cluster Rohan Jain: “Sony BBC Earth’s promise of making viewers ‘feel alive’ goes beyond the content that we showcase. By creating some of the most pristine and inaccessible terrains on Metaverse, we are glad to offer an opportunity to experience the wonders of the world like never before. This is a testimony to both our technical prowess as well as commitment towards creating experiences that take people closer to the nature.”
Scheduled for the 8, 9, and 10 December 2023, from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC, Mumbai, the Sony BBC Earth metaverse kiosk is all set to curate unique and eclectic experiences.
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.
