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Sony launches VAIO personal computers in India
MUMBAI: Sony India Pvt Ltd today launched the VAIO personal computer in India, which aims to change the paradigm of purchase by extending beyond mere computing to offer entertainment, mobility and style.
“The launch of VAIO in India is critical as it ensures that Indian consumers experience a product that maximizes business needs and consumer benefits. VAIO is one of our most premium products and offers Indian consumers access to notebooks that go beyond computing to provide the innovative technologies, personal entertainment and style needed to make a notebook a true mobile companion,” said Sony India Pvt LTD AV/IT Division general manager Mohit Parasher.
The Sony VAIO notebook focuses on offering consumers new ways of enjoying computing and personal entertainment through a dynamic transformation that removes the boundaries between Audio/Video and IT products. Renowned the world over for its unique design and high elements of style, the VAIO provides the true benefits of convergence: In essence, to help one enjoy the functionality and design of VAIO technology anytime, anywhere.
“VAIO brings together the distinct worlds of work and leisure in perfect style. The VAIO experience is not limited by time, space or location and its uniqueness stems not only from performance and function, but also from look and feel,” said Sony India Pvt LTD CAV marketing head Katsuhiko Murase.
VAIO looks for ways of connecting every form of audio-visual entertainment with every aspect of information technology. Through innovative technology, VAIO has succeeded in connecting products and unique software to manage digital content in new ways.
“The goal of VAIO is to connect. This means to connect products, not only through innovative technologies such as i.LINK and Memory Stick, but also through digital content such as images, sounds, music and data, using unique Sony software such as PictureGear Studio, SonicStage, DVgate, VAIO Zone and VAIO Media,” said Murase.
The VAIO personal computers range in India will comprise three globally current models VGN-T16GP, VGN-B55G and VGN-S26GP. VGN-T16GP is an inimitable offering with unique one-touch music and movie functions for both experts and beginners.
A host of Sony’s exclusive entertainment software is included in all VAIO models to further enhance its multi-media capabilities such as PictureGear Studio, SonicStage, SonicStage Mastering Studio and SonicStage Mastering Studio Audio Filter. With the new VAIO Zone application software, users can view, listen to and play back music, photos, videos, CDs and DVDs with ease.
Sony India plans to set up an exclusive sales and service network in the country with qualified product technicians who will be specially trained to service VAIO products.
The range of VAIO personal computers are priced between Rs 80,000 and Rs 105,000 will be available in select retail outlets including Sony World outlets across the country.
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.
