News Headline
SPN India honoured for diversity and inclusion efforts
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), has been recognized among 100 best companies for women in India by Working Mother and Avtar, and as an exemplar of inclusion in their most inclusive companies index. This year marks the fourth consecutive win for SPN being featured on the Avtar list for Top 100 best companies for women.
The awards are conducted by Avtar, a pioneer in gender diversity and inclusion in India, and Working Mother, a prestigious global gender parity champion in the United States. The Working Mother’s annual list of 100 Best Companies in its 33rd anniversary this year, continues to raise awareness of the issues faced by women at the workplace and encourages the development of programs to address those concerns.
Over the course of the last 25 years, SPN has built an inclusive and diverse environment which extracts the very best from them. With over 30 per cent women representation amongst the network’s employees, SPN continues to not only play an active role in the dialogue on gender equality, but also champions causes which challenge the status quo and support women workforce in all their endeavours. Amongst SPN’s several progressive policies, the SPN Apex diversity and inclusion council, ‘Live your dream’, Dastangoi and ‘SPNI Pitchers’ are some of the innovative and noteworthy efforts which position the network as a coveted employer in the industry.
Along with a stringent POSH policy championed by select employees across teams which ensures a safe work environment, SPN also provides enhanced maternity benefits (fertility treatments), universal primary caregiver leave (26 weeks – childbirth, adoption and surrogacy), free near-site creche, preferential parking for expectant & new mothers, mother’s room and medical insurance. With new formats of working emerging as a result of the pandemic, SPN is among the first movers in securing mental and physical wellbeing. The network’s people-friendly initiatives such as scheduled downtime, mandatory leaves and introduction of Covid2019 reimbursements and insurance have resulted in employee delight, especially women.
SPN’s values are the bedrock of culture and have a huge impact on happiness and success at the organisation. Its nurturing environment celebrates performance and results while fostering collaboration to achieve big goals.
Sony Pictures Networks India MD and CEO N P Singh said, “I am humbled that SPN is recognised as a leader in championing the cause of gender parity. We will continue to accelerate our efforts in inclusion and diversity so that we can support the tangible change in society.”
SPN India chief human resource officer Manu Wadhwa said, “With the recognition in the Most Inclusive Companies Index, we are encouraged to push further with our diversity and inclusion initiatives at SPN. We endeavour to build on our reputation of remaining a people-first organization that welcomes diverse talent.”
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.
