News Headline
The Pitch season 3 search for the top 10 begins
MUMBAI: Bloomberg TV India, the nation’s premier English business news channel’s third season of THE PITCH moves into its second phase. The first phase, which was a nationwide call-for-entries, saw the channel receive close to 5000 entries.
Subsequently the jury, comprising of successful entrepreneurs Mahesh Murthy, Vishal Gondal and Neeraj Roy, have identified the top 25 contenders. These 25 contenders will present their Elevator Pitches to the Jury for a place in the TOP 10 of THE PITCH Season 3. The Jury will evaluate these aspirants on the brilliance of their business pitches and their individual excellence.
Starting 6th September, Bloomberg TV India will exclusively telecast THE PITCH Season 3 at 10.30 pm on Fridays and 5.00 pm on Sundays.
The final 10 contestants will face challenges thrown to them by some of India’s most prominent new age entrepreneurs each week. In every episode, an entrepreneur will assign tasks to the participants. The tasks will challenge the aspirants on the most critical skills required to be a successful entrepreneur and by eliminating the weakest performer, narrow down to the most competent and deserving aspirant who goes on to receive the funding of up to Rs. 5 crore from Seedfund.
The Pitch Season 3 is presented by Reliance Commercial Finance and powered by Hyundai. Big Daddy Productions are the concept partners for The Pitch. The show will be supported by a 360 degree marketing campaign spread across Television, Outdoor, Print, OOH, Online, Mobile, Radio, Multiplex, Retail, Restaurants, Malls, etc
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.







