News Headline
UGC Writers Campus by Series Mania invites applications for 2021 edition
MUMBAI: Series Mania has invited applications for its UGC Writers Campus, an immersive week-long writing workshop for 20 emerging TV drama writers from around the world. This, the fourth edition of UGC Writers Campus by Series Mania, will run from 27 May to 3 June 2021 in Lille, France. Deadline for submissions is 1 February 2021.
Eligible candidates are writers who have had at least one professional experience on a broadcast TV/digital series, short or feature film broadcast. The link for submitting applications can be found at:
https://seriesmania.com/forum/en/ugc-writers-campus-2021/
Over the course of one week, UGC Writers Campus will function as an incubator where writers will be immersed in an environment dedicated to their work with access to tutors, mentors and industry decision-makers.
From 27-31 May, participants will have the opportunity to take part in workshops and masterclasses in the presence of experienced professionals who will serve and support them as mentors in the development of their projects. From 1-3 June, these emerging writers will be able to pitch their projects in front of the international industry professionals who will be in Lille for the forum.
"Today, we see an increasing demand from the industry toward screenwriters. In this context, Series Mania, with the UGC Writers Campus, is honoured to support and strengthen an international network of young writers who are able to offer high quality projects, while at the same time working together for the future of our audio-visual industry. The stories to come will certainly be local, but thus more open to co-production opportunities,” said UGC director, deputy MD Herszberg.
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.
