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Will keep away from IPL, says Srinivasan to SC
MUMBAI: International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman and BCCI president in exile N Srinivasan has told the Supreme Court of India, that if he is re-elected, he would keep away from the IPL governing council, till the proposed council decides on the issue of conflict of interest involving him and his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings. Hi son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan is an alleged accused in the IPL betting scam.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing as his counsel told the bench comprising Justice T.S Thakur and Justice F.M.I. Kalifulla, that if the apex court permitted elections and in the probability that Srinivasan wins, he would keep away from the Indian Premier League council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) meetings wherein issues relating to the IPL will be discussed.
Meanwhile media reports also suggested that the BCCI is not in favour of an external committee to look into Srinivasan’s conflict of interest suggesting that it would affect the autonomy the board enjoys.
This comes in the wake of the Cricket Association of Bihar filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that has asked for the disqualification of Srinivasan as being a part of the BCCI and owner of Chennai Super Kings is a direct conflict of interest.
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.
