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Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Serengeti II’ on 18 October
Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth is set to air “Serengeti II” on 18 October at 9 p.m, from Monday to Friday.
Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress of “Star Wars” and “Black Panther” fame Lupita Nyong’o and Produced by John Downer and Simon Fuller, the show captures the dramatic and emotionally interconnected stories of the iconic savannah animals, from the unspoiled corner of Africa.
The second part of the series continues to highlight heartwarming stories of the African wildlife from Bakari the baboon, Kali the lioness, a family of leopards with their adorable cubs, and many new animal characters. The six-episode series touches upon different phases of these animal characters, revealing their unique relationship dynamics, behavior, strengths, and weaknesses.
“It has been our constant endeavor to instill a positive impact within our audience through the power of visual storytelling,” said Sony Pictures Network chief marketing officer and business head for English cluster and Sony AATH Tushar Shah. “With Serengeti II, we are happy to bring alive yet another pioneering series and go deeper into the heart of the action to bring viewers unprecedented animal behavior.”
The channel is running a month-long social media campaign called ‘witness the bond between the land and the living.’ According to a statement, it will create branded content with popular social media influencers and stand-up comedians such as Jose Covaco and Sorabh Pant.
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.
