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Star Sports to launch ‘Harsha Unplugged’ on 9 July
MUMBAI: Harsha is back on Star Sports, this time minus his suit and tie.
Starting Wednesday, 9 July, Star Sports will launch a new interactive show- Harsha Unplugged – hosted by well known cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.
The anchor presenter, previously seen on Harsha Online, is said to have redefined the role of a sports presenter during his long stint with ESPN Star Sports. With the weekly 30-minute programme primarily focusing on national and international sports persons, the ‘know-about’ show should be an informative watch for the Indian sports fan.
Harsha Unplugged, unlike the usual format where the career of the sports person is profiled, will concentrate on the individuals, their relationships with people and the forces that have influenced their respective careers, says a company release. The programme will also cover a range of sports related subjects, solicit opinions from a cross section of people, initiate discussions among people and perhaps also have a people’s vote at the end of a particular episode. Sportsmen to be featured in the earlier episodes include Ajay Jadeja, Narain Karthikeyan, Parthiv Patel and Dennis Lilee.
With Harsha Unplugged, Star Sports hooks on to a trend set by MAX with Kapil Dev’s Gully Cricket and Dil Se. Bhogle will be chasing stories about issues relating to a variety of sports with an approach that is both interactive and ‘outdoor’ in nature, audiences will be able to see the sports persons outside the studios, in an environment comfortable to them.
The half-hour show with lots of on site visuals at locales across India will also be profiling upcoming youngsters.
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.
