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When minister Dhananjay Munde was moved by Zee Marathi’s Chala Hawa Yeu Dya
MUMBAI: Zee Marathi’s popular comedy show Chala Hawa Yeu Dya has achieved yet another significant milestone by receiving positive words of commendation from Maharashtra’s cabinet minister for social justice & special assistance, Dhananjay Munde. The show has gained critical acclaim for its letter-reading segment where a heartfelt letter is read out by a postman every episode. Penned by Arvind Jagtap, these letters have set a benchmark in the Marathi fraternity.
In the recent episode of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya, a letter to sugarcane workers, their children and their future was read out by Sagar Karande, in the presence of leaders of our state, namely Pankaja Munde, Rohit Pawar and Sujay Vikhe Patil. In a surprise turn of events, writer Arvind Jagtap received a letter from minister Dhananjay Munde. In his letter, Munde acknowledged the letter penned for the sugarcane workers, and expressed feeling overwhelmed and getting goosebumps after watching the episode. Since his father too was a sugarcane worker, it struck an emotional chord and brought to mind the backbreaking legacy of hard-work that sugarcane workers usually pass on to their children.
As a result of the letter read out on Zee Marathi, Munde committed to taking over the corporation set up by his late father. In an effort to improve the future of sugarcane workers and their children, the cabinet minister promised to implement employment guarantee schemes so that these workers get access to good jobs. He also pledged to ensure the safety of all these workers and a bright future for their children, as well as their financial and social stability.
In a hat-tip to Zee Marathi’s reach among Marathi audiences, Munde ended his letter in the hope that a future letter read on Zee Marathi's Chala Hawa Yeu Dya may note his contribution in improving the plight of sugarcane workers.
Zee north, west & premium channels cluster head Amit Shah said, “With its rich legacy and customer-centric approach, Zee Marathi not only entertains Maharashtra but has also subtly educated & inspired people in the region. Being a humour-based show aimed at spreading smiles and positivity in the lives of our viewers, Chala Hawa Yeu Dya also strikes a chord with the audiences by creating definitive social impact. We are deeply honoured to have received these words of acclaim from Dhananjay Munde and his letter has inspired us to keep working harder to engage and entertain viewers with quality content.”
Zee Marathi business head Nilesh Mayekar added, “Chala Hawa Yeu Dya has been successfully entertaining viewers across Maharashtra for over six years now. Immense hard work has been put in by the teams to establish the show in the viewers’ hearts, and the letter reading segment has quickly become an audience favourite making it an integral part of the show. In one of the recent episode, the letter to sugarcane workers struck an emotional chord with Dhananjay Munde, wherein he promised to implement schemes for the upliftment of the workers. This is a significant achievement for the show, as we constantly endeavour to continue entertaining the audiences while bringing to the fore key social issues that impact them.”
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.
