News Headline
Star CJ Alive is a big hit in Kolkata
KOLKATA: The people in Kolkata seem to be addicted to the new ways of shopping. Star CJ Alive, a home shopping channel from the house of STAR CJ Network India (a joint venture between STAR Asia and the South Korean home shopping major, CJ O Shopping) recently conducted a survey in the target markets. The result of the survey was interesting as it revealed that the consumers of Kolkata in the fiscal 2012-2013 have bought 26.63 lakh sarees, 23.83 lakh tablets, 21.87 pieces of jewellery and 18.82 lakh handsets.
One of the supposed reasons for the growth of the channel is the ‘Global O’ Shopping Day’ that was celebrated by the channel at the beginning of the year 2013, in India along with eight other countries – South Korea, Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Philippines and Vietnam. It featured global products and resulted in 110 per cent hike in orders as compared to the average daily order figure.
“Kolkata is one of our biggest markets and we are delighted to give our customers the best deals. Our goal is to serve our customers better,” said Star CJ Network CEO Kenny Shin while in the city Kolkata. He also said that the channel that was launched around four years ago is one of the fastest growing shopping channels in the country.
The channel offers an array of products including fashion, lifestyle, home appliances, kitchenware, digital devices, jewellery, beauty products among others. The channel’s target markets includes Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Bangalore, Ludhiana, Surat, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vadodara, Amritsar, Faridabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Jaipur, Chennai, Nagpur and Nashik among others.
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.
