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Wondrlab’s remarkable 2023 journey paves the way for a bold 2024 expansion
Mumbai: As we reflect on the transformative year of 2023, marked by technological leaps, environmental endeavours, and global shifts, the stage is set for the unpredictable landscape of 2024. From the evolution of artificial intelligence to the urgent focus on climate action, our journey unfolds against a backdrop of innovation and challenges. Join us as we explore the highlights of the past and anticipate the dynamics that will shape our world in the coming year. Welcome to a brief overview of the year that was and the forecast for 2024.
Here is the year-end quote below on behalf of Wondrlab’s managing partner & co-founder Rakesh Hinduja
This was the third year of Wondrlab and the game is three times. We continue to strengthen our cultural foundation with a focus on people, product & profit – In that order. The Wondrlab family this year is over 400 people diverse and motivated to achieve newer benchmarks. Our product continues to be strategically effective, creatively engaging and full-funnel in the rollout, bar none. With the first 2 P’s being strong, Profit is always healthy. This year we also added a new P, three times office place to our Mumbai HQ, an open layout for fun, positivity and a wonderful vibe for people and products to thrive.
We continue to embrace digital transformation, we leveraged technology and data to deliver cutting-edge solutions, solidifying our differentiated offering in the industry. This was the first time we entered Cannes which resulted in a shortlist. A pivotal part of our strategic vision for 2023 was expanding our footprint beyond borders. The recent acquisition of Cymetrix marked a significant milestone. This not only strengthened our capabilities but also positioned us for exponential growth in the global market.
We want to solve not just do one thing well, we want to do whatever it takes for brands to win in today’s complex marketing world and do it all well.
As I reflect on the year, I am filled with optimism about our trajectory in 2024. Our plan includes further exploration of new markets and industry verticals. Strengthening client relationships remains a top priority, with an unwavering commitment to understanding evolving needs and delivering tailor-made solutions. To create genuine products that help businesses. As well as wins at the biggest awards stage.
Our platform-first and technology-centric approach continues to be at the forefront. The potential of augmented reality and virtual reality excites us, and we are poised to seamlessly integrate these into our offerings. We are moving rapidly towards our goal of becoming a world-class network based in India, with more strategic acquisitions on the horizon. As we expand our reach, capabilities, our resilient team dedication to strategic vision, it positions us not just to navigate challenges but to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.
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.
