News Headline
Sun Media Group China’s Bruno Wu named chairman of iEMMYs Festival
NEW YORK: The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced today the appointment of Bruno Wu, group CEO of Sun Media China and director of the Academy Board, as chairman of the iEMMYs Festival, an initial mandate of two years, renewable.
Bruce Paisner, president of Hearst Entertainment and the chairman of International TV Academy, has been the iEMMYs Festival chairman since its inception in 1999.
“We are very pleased to announce that Bruno Wu, long-time friend of the International TV Academy, is taking over the role of iEMMYs Festival Chairman. Bruno’s support of the Academy for the past several years has been enormous. He helped to create, and currently chairs, the iTVi (Interactive Television International), which now publishes the world’s most extensive weekly newsletter on interactive television. Bruno’s dedication and international broadcast experience will enhance the iEMMYs Festival, where we present the latest trends in global programming as well as feature our International Emmy-nominated producers and directors with their world-class programs,” said Paisner.
“Sun Media has been a major supporter of the iEMMYs Festival events, and I was given the opportunity to offer input for the direction of the Festival. I am honored to succeed Bruce Paisner, who built the iEMMYs Festival from the ground up into a world-renowned and prestigious event. It is now a core event of the International TV Academy and I will aim to make the Festival even more extended in scope, bringing new initiatives and concepts to the Festival,” said Wu.
The 5th iEMMYs Festival is scheduled to take place at the Sofitel Hotel New York on Sunday, 23 November, 2003. The 31st International Emmy Awards Gala will take place on Monday, 24 November, 2003. Both events will take place in New York City. The 2003 International Emmy Award Gala will also honor Greg Dyke, director-general of the BBC with the International Emmy Directorate Award and honor HBO with the International Emmy Founders Award for their original programming.
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.
