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Star Vijay builds momentum for eighth Vijay Awards
MUMBAI: It is time to once again build up the energy for the coveted Vijay Awards. The eighth edition of the awards for the Tamil film industry on Star Vijay has already begun its digital and TV activations, a month in advance of the telecast.
This year, Vijay Awards will see film and TV actors host and perform at the ceremony which will see 29 best and five favourite awards given out on 5 July and will be telecast on a later date. Similar to last year, the channel will be running contests and giving away passes to 20 people from South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries to come and watch the award function.
Talking about the event Star Vijay general manager K Sriram said, “This is truly a credible and an incredible award show. We are very excited about it and ever prepared to make it an astounding success year on year.”
Viewers have been voting since 14 June for their favourite actors either by SMS, calls or online which will end on 25 June. A long list of sponsors has already been lined up. Gionee is the title sponsor while Casa Grand is powered by sponsor. Dr MGR and RRP Housing are co presenting sponsors. Sunland Refined Sunflower Oil, Step Stone Promoters, V Care, Poomalai Housing, Kibbs Lungigal, Vijaya optical House, RPG Developers, Shakthi Masala, Ran India Steel and Amrita Institute are associate sponsors.
“This is a big event that happens every year and I, like everybody else, look forward to it. The ‘Golden Lady’ has become a much sought-after trophy for everyone in the Tamil film industry,”said renowned director K Balachander referring to the Vijay Awards statuette.
The jury members include Yugi Sethu, Prathap Pothen, Ravi K Chandran and actor Simran. Last year saw Bollywood’s king Shah Rukh Khan visit the ceremony and being given an award.
Currently, a one hour prelude is being aired every Saturday at 8 pm. As part of the pre-event activation, celebrities are being roped in for conducting on ground events in various parts of the state.
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.
