News Headline
Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur revs up the historic MotoGP Bharat preparations
Mumbai: Even though it was pouring heavily, excitement filled the air as MotoGP Bharat team gathered at the residence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, to invite him as the Guest of Honour for India’s most awaited MotoGP race, scheduled to be held at the Buddh International Circuit on 22 – 24 September.
“The helmet in my hand says a lot. MotoGP is going to take place in India for the very first time and it’s one of the biggest motorsports event for the country which will take place in Gautambuddh Nagar. This race will also be special as for the very first time an Indian racer will also be taking part. This is a great initiative and moment for the racing community. The event will also act as a catalyst in promoting racing bikes and the growth of automobile industry. For many racers and young bike enthusiasts who want to pursue racing will get an opportunity to watch and learn about the sport in India itself. Going forward, I firmly believe that racing will really become big and like many other sports create milestones and glory for the country,” Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur said after his meeting.
The Union Sports Minister also showcased his daredevil spirit braving the torrential rain as he hopped on a bike and joined the group of bikers for a spin who had come along with the officials of FairStreet Sports, the Indian promoters of MotoGP Bharat.
“Despite the rain, we were filled with excitement as we extended our invitation to Hon’ble Minister as the Guest of Honour for MotoGP Bharat igniting the passion that drives us all. Together, we aim to create an unforgettable MotoGP Bharat experience. With Anurag Thakur joining the bikers to take a ride despite the weather only shows how gripping MotoGP fever is and has every potential to rave up Bharat,” commented FairStreet Sports chief operating officer Pushkar Nath Srivastava.
The Union Minister also interacted with the team, signed a helmet as memorabilia and later thanked the bikers for the adventurous ride.
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.
