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West Bengal govt and Laliga partner for Football development
Mumbai: Focusing on football development, the Government of West Bengal and Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional ( Laliga), have entered a Memorandum of Understanding to elevate the game through mutual collaborations between India and Spain. Represented by the honourable chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee and president of Laliga, Javier Tebas, the meeting took place in Madrid and will seek to jointly promote football through mutual collaboration.
In attendance, were the former Indian cricket player, Sourav Ganguly, and chief secretary, Govt of West Bengal, H.K. Dwivedi. Representatives of the two major Football clubs of West Bengal joined the program: Debasish Dutta, general secretary, of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club & Ishtiaque Ahmed, general secretary of Mohammedan Sporting Club.
With the objective of collaboration through bilateral relations, the MOU will amplify the flow of knowledge & expertise from Laliga – the largest football ecosystem in the world – into West Bengal. Utilising shared resources to develop the game, the MOU will also look to develop the game’s grassroots & youth development set-up in West Bengal.
Amongst the highlights of the groundbreaking understanding of talent identification, infrastructural development & coach education, Laliga will also explore the development of excellence projects in the region basis mutual agreements with the government of West Bengal. Additionally, Laliga will also explore opportunities for football administrators, players & coaches from the region to be trained in the Laliga methodology.
Looking to build on the rich football heritage linked to West Bengal clubs, Laliga will additionally, share its technical know-how and expertise to assist football clubs of the State.
The honourable chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee added: “The signing of MOU between Govt of West Bengal and Laliga today on 14 September 2023 at Madrid, Spain in the presence of Mohun Bagan Club, East Bengal Club, Mohammedan Sporting Club and our icon Sourav Ganguly, will bring a new glorious chapter for Bengal football. We are on our way to becoming an epicentre of football in India.”
Laliga president Javier Tebas said, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with the Government of West Bengal to elevate football development in the region, taking advantage of the experience we have after more than 90 years leading professional soccer in Spain, and more specifically in the seven years that Laliga has been in India since opening its office in 2016. This Memorandum of Understanding signifies our commitment to the people of West Bengal as jointly aim to create a self-sustaining football ecosystem, that will nurture talent in line with their rich heritage. Through knowledge sharing and collaboration, we will work towards building a brighter future for Indian football.”
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.
