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Times Network elevates Mihir Bhatt as business head of Times Influence
Mumbai: Times Network, India’s premium broadcast network, has elevated Mihir Bhatt to business head of Times Influence and managing editor of Times Network.
In his new capacity, Bhatt will continue to lead the editorial charge for large scale strategic collaborated content on the network and grow the already buoyant content solutions business with overall P&L responsibility of Times Influence – a strategic content thinktank that operates across the network, developing award winning IPs and content solutions.
During his tenure at Times Network, Bhatt has led large-scale IPs including India Economic Conclave – the largest in the genre, Times Now Summit, Amazing Indians, Leaders of Tomorrow and Navbharat Navnirman Manch amongst others. A seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience in editorial and business roles, he has closely tracked corporate India, government policies, domestic & global economies and has also been instrumental in launching leading branded content initiatives in the broadcast industry.
With evolution in formats, platforms, consumer preferences and ROI demands, large scale IPs & collaborated content have emerged as critical growth drivers for digital publishers and broadcasters, leading to the intensified focus at Times Network.
Times Network managing director & CEO MK Anand said, “Bhatt has played a pivotal role in steering strategic content partnerships and Network IPs that have become industry benchmarks today. A dynamic leader with a proven track record, I’m confident Mihir will continue to create unique value propositions for Times Network and our partners.”
Talking about his new role, Bhatt said, “I am honoured and delighted to helm this mandate. It’s heartening to see Times Influence’s rapid growth as a content powerhouse that is being recognised for creating award-winning strategic and branded content initiatives across mediums. As I take on this responsibility, I am focused on harnessing my strengths and expertise to create new opportunities and capitalize on emerging trends that drive innovation and growth for the network.”
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.
