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[V] lends support to 2007 Special Olympics in China
MUMBAI: In China, Channel [V] has joined hands with international basketball superstar Yao Ming and Asia’s top-notch artists, including Leon Lai and Halem Yu, to support the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in the All Star Rally.
The All Star Rally is co-organised by Channel [V], the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games Executive Committee and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) with an aim to raise public awareness for people with intellectual disabilities and spread the message that through sports participation individuals with intellectual disabilities can lead fit, productive and fulfilled lives.
The All Star Rally will be broadcast in China on 20 June at 9 pm Hong Kong time (HKT) and on 22 and 29 June at 3 pm HKT. The Rally will also be aired on the SMG channels, including Shanghai Oriental Television and Shanghai Dragon TV.
The show will feature performances by the artists and the mentally challenged. Also aired will be an exclusive interview with Yao Ming, who was recently named the Special Olympics Global ambassador. Also video clips of Yao Ming and Leon Lai visit to the Chang Ning Special School in Shanghai will be aired.
“As a leading youth channel in China, Channel [V] takes pride in promoting social awareness among the youth for example in campaigns such as the Anti-Piracy Concert,” said Channel [V] Mainland China general manager Scarlett Li. “Through the association with the Special Olympics in organising the All Star Rally, we hope to increase understanding and support for people with intellectual disabilities.”
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.
