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This Independence Day, Viacom18 celebrates many facets of freedom for Indians
Mumbai: India’s youngest and fastest growing media and entertainment network, Viacom18 celebrated the country’s 73rd Independence Day with a host of integrated campaigns that celebrated the spirit of today’s India and what independence means to its citizens. Ranging from COLORS Cineplex’s #freefromhate, MTV’ #SWAGtantra, Nickelodeon’s Mera Wala India to Comedy Central’s #LaughAsOne, these campaigns targeted diverse issues that are relevant to the network’s varied audiences.
1. #FreeFromHate by COLORS Cineplex
Urging netizens to make the internet free from hate, COLORS Cineplex launched a positivity challenge 5 days before Independence Day on social media – by asking people to put up positive things or to delete a negative comment and replace it with a positive one using #freefromhate. The challenge concluded with an impactful film that was released on the channel on Independence Day that touched upon the subject of trolling. The film left viewers with a take away of simple step against cyber bulling and urged them to post a positive comment to make social media #freefromhate. The campaign reached out to the channels’ 56 M social media followers. Television and Bollywood superstars came forward to support the #freefromhate campaign such as Deepika Singh, Namik Paul, Anita Raj, Nimrit Kaur, Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra.
2. #SWAGtantra by MTV
As India’s first crowdsourced Rap anthem, #SWAGtantra certainly struck the right chord with MTV’s loyal following this Independence Day. The SWAGtantra rap reflected the voice of young India. The Rap anthem was an upbeat composition based on five words: Tamasha, Bharosa, Pahad, Guroor and Jalebi that were sent in by rap lovers across the country prior to Independence Day. Post the scanning, the best rap verses were featured in the Swagtantra Rap. Combined with the creative expertise of these gifted rappers, who are mentored by the judges Raftaar, Nucleya and Raja Kumari, the Swagtantra Rap was instrumental in giving an edge to the young rap lovers and reinforce a wave of change with the power of words and music. The #SWAGtantra campaign celebrates the rap mania that MTV Hustle has brought to India.
3. ‘Mera Wala India’ by Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon – India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel has always ensured to celebrate every occasion with a twist reinforcing the significance of every festival by reinventing its true meaning. This Independence Day, the channel addressed the challenges India is facing despite being in the 73rd year of Independence through their innovative campaign– ‘Mera Wala India’. Taking a cue from what the ideal India should be from a kids point of view the channel brought alive a child’s version of an ideal independent India.
As a part of the initiative, the campaign witnessed children across schools conducting a Reverse March to address issues like water conservation, safety, cleanliness, education for all and stereotyping. Popular Nicktoon Shiva led the reverse march across cities encouraging positive behavioural change amongst kids. With the help of its digital and social media reach, the campaign encouraged children, urging them to express their version of ‘Mera Wala India’ and take a pledge to extend this positive change towards the society not only amongst the kids but also amongst adults.
4. #LaughAsOne by Comedy Central
Comedy Central – India’s leading 24-hour English Entertainment channel had a simple message this Independence Day with their campaign #LaughAsOne. Keeping true to the its promise of being Your Happy Place, the channel’s campaign was an interesting take on laughter. Committed on making India laugh this Independence Day, Comedy Central’s #LaughAsOne celebrated the country’s diversity because laughter has no race, religion, distinction and prejudice.
While each brand film enlivened the distinct identity of its audience, these campaigns by MTV, COLORS Cineplex, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central celebrated the unique identity of Viacom18 – network with a humane purpose.
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.
