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Veteran television journalist Anjan Bandyopadhyay succumbs to Covid
Mumbai: Veteran television journalist Anjan Bandyopadhyay died on Sunday night after battling with Covid-19 infection for over a month. He was 56.
He was the editor of Bengali news channel Zee 24 Ghanta and one of West Bengal’s leading news anchors. The news of his sudden demise has left the new industry shocked, with tributes pouring in from various quarters.
Bandyopadhyay was admitted to the hospital on 14 April after testing positive for Covid-19. He was discharged after showing signs of recovery, but developed Covid-related complications. He suffered a heart attack on Sunday.
In a career that spans over 33 years, Bandyopadhyay had worked in ETV Bangla, 24 Ghanta, and then with Anandabazar Patrika’s digital unit before moving to TV9 Bangla as the channel’s first editor. The senior journalist returned to Zee 24 Ghanta as its editor just a few days before this year’s legislative assembly elections in West Bengal.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee condoled his demise remembering him as one of the best television anchors in West Bengal.
“Saddened at the passing away of Anjan Bandyopadhyay. He was a bright, young, and dynamic journalist. I have no words to express my condolences to his family and his colleagues in the fraternity. His Ma, wife Aditi, daughter Titli, his elder brother Alapan Bandyopadhyay, who is the Chief Secretary of the State,” added Banerjee.
Stunned and saddened at untimely demise of Anjan Bandyopadhyay editor @Zee24Ghanta @ZeeNews.
Cruel hand of destiny has snatched at young age a man full of simplicity.
He leaves a void in journalism not easy to fill. Pray Almighty to bestow eternal peace on departed soul.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) May 16, 2021
My colleague Anjan Bandopadhyay,Editor @Zee24Ghanta lost his battle to COVID today. He got infected while covering West Bengal election.I met him last on 19th Feb when we interviewed Home Minsiter @AmitShah in Kolkata. Never thought it will be my last picture with him.
ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/YTaFaDpGNl— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) May 16, 2021
Another terrible news!
Our Editor (Zee 24 Ghanta) Anjan Bandyopadhyay is no more. Simply can’t believe this.
May you soul Rest In Peace Anjanda. pic.twitter.com/kOr276FEQQ
— Piyali Mitra (@Plchakraborty) May 16, 2021
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.
