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Vijay TV to organise event tribute for Ilaiyaraaja on 27 February
MUMBAI: Vijay TV has organised an event tribute called Ilaiyaraaja Ayiram for music maestro Illayaraja.
The first look of the Illayaraja Ayiram logo was unveiled by Isaignani llayaraja himself. Illayaraja Ayiram will honour his achievement in scoring music for thousand movies in 40 years of his musical career and will be held on 27 February in Chennai.
Eminent personalities from the film fraternity like veteran producer Panju Arunachalam, actor Prabhu, Kalaipuli S Dhanu (Tamil Film Producers Council president), G. Shiva (FEFSI), T. Shiva, Sathyajyothi Films’ Thiagarajan, music director S.A. Rajkumar, actress Lalitha Kumari were present at the first look unveiling of Ilayaraja Ayiram.
To celebrate this first look along with Ilayaraja, Arunachalam, who introduced Ilaiyaraaja through his movie Annakilli into film industry, said, “I am here not just to cherish his achievement in composing thousand movies, I wish the music maestro continues to accomplish greater feats in the years to come.”
Dhanu added, “We would rise to the occasion to support this mega event to honour the music maestro and I feel thankful to Vijay Television for organising this great tribute.”
Prabhu said, “He has composed music for my movies, which became hit numbers, so he has helped me become who I am today.”
Producer and Tamil Film Producers’ Council manager T Shiva said, “As a token of gratitude, the entire film industry will be present to honour Isaignani for his successful journey in scoring music. In this show, evergreen songs, which are near to everyone’s heart from Isaignani Illayaraja’s composition will be performed in front of him.”
Nasser, president of South Indian Artistes Association rendered his support saying, “Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja is an invaluable asset to the Tamil film industry, so it’s our duty to celebrate him and his accomplishments. South Indian Artists Association along with Producers’ Council, are planning ahead to make event successful.”
Vijay TV general manager K. Sriram added, “Isaignani is celebrated by the whole world. So, a show of appreciation for him is a remarkable event. We take immense pleasure in thanking Isaignani Ilayaraja for permitting us to organise this great show.”
“In my point of view, music composition for thousand movies is just a number. I cannot be proud of myself for this. When they said the event is a tribute for my music, I consider that it will be a tribute for the almighty who has gifted me with a wonderful talent of music. So I am glad to take part in this function,” said Ilayaraja.
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.
