News Headline
Sushanto Roy takes over as Sahara Media head; Sumit Roy moves to Lucknow
MUMBAI: The heir to Subrata Roy’s Sahara India empire is taking charge at the helm of the diversified group’s media and entertainment arm.
Sushanto Roy in his role as Lt Thapar in Mission Fateh – the new boss takes over
The Sahara managing worker’s son Sushanto Roy has taken over from Sahara India deputy director worker Sumit Roy with immediate effect, company sources say.
Initial reports indicate that Sushanta Roy will be designated CEO, media and entertainment, Sahara India. However, this is still to be confirmed.
Sumit Roy, meanwhile, is shifting base from New Delhi to the company headquarters in Lucknow. In what capacity is still to be ascertained though.
Sumit Roy – making way for the family
Sumit Roy, who joined Sahara 16 years ago, was heading the company’s mainstream channel Sahara Manoranjan as well as the newly launched news channels. The first two news channels, Sahara Samay Rashtriya and Sahara Samay Uttar, launched with a bang in April this year. Set to launch in September is Sahara Samay Mumbai.
However, there is no word as of now on the six region specific channels that was slated as part of the next phase of the news channel expansion.
Sushanto Roy, based in Lucknow, has thus far kept a low profile, and was heard of only when he essayed the role of Lt Vijayant Thapar in the much hyped Sahara series on Kargil heroes, Mission Fateh , earlier this year.
Company sources, while confirming the development, said it was a decision on Subrata Roy’s part and was no reflection on Sumit Roy’s capabilities. According to them, the move is part of the natural succession plan that Subrata Roy has mapped out for the group.
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.
