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“With PM Modi’s vision, India will become a major rail technology exporter in the world in three years” says Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Mumbai : At at the second edition of ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw commented, “India will become a major technology exporter within the next 2-3 years across various sectors. Today, 99% of mobiles in India are made-in-India whereas earlier 99% were imported”
The minister was speaking on the topic “Last Mile Mobility Connecting the Dot.” The summit has brought together policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, and business leaders to discuss the critical role of India during the global churn and changing dynamics.
Giving a snapshot of key railway stations being redeveloped with modern technology and planning, Vaishnaw, said, “50 acres of new space is being created inside the station in Delhi. For which 38 new permissions have been taken for the overhaul”.
Commenting on handling three key ministries, He said, “More gets done in the IT sector with less effort, railway requires hardwork as it’s a large organisation. Telecom has more complexities”.
He further added, “For a country of our size, there’s no other way of transforming the economy than transforming railways”.
The theme of the second edition of ABP Network’s “Ideas of India” Summit is “Naya India: Looking Inward, Reaching Out.” This time, 60 eminent national and international speakers will share the stage with global leaders. The two-day event focuses on India’s position as a growing economy and global leader in shaping the future.
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.
