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WWT partners with DLCA for ‘Pratibhashali 2017’
MUMBAI: The World Wide Talent in association with Darren Lehmann cricket academy (DLCA) Australia is has announced Pratibhashali 2017 a nation-wide hunt for cricket talent for a rising star (age 12-17 years) and Rookie (age 18-25 years) under the guidance of Maninder Singh, former Indian Cricketer and Darren Lehmann, former Australian cricketer.
The initiative is also supported by Paralympics Committee of India and the finals will be telecast on DD Sports.
Pratibhashali is an initiative to promote grassroots cricket and identifying promising cricketing talent – best bowler and best batsman in each category. The trials will involve around 70 days of cricketing action spread across 5 states (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi) and 18 cities under the aegis of the respective State Cricket Associations.
The event kicks off from May 28, 2017. The 70 days trials will be conducted under the supervision of cricketing experts and former Indian cricket players. The entire program will be mentored by former Cricketer Maninder Singh and the finals will be held on 28, 29 and 30 July 2017. 44 successful individual will be selected during trials for finals in both the categories. 22 best players further will be selected for Grand Finale event. 2 most talented players will be announced after the finals in Rising Star and Rookie category.
The teams and players performing will stand a chance to win prizes at each stage. Finals will be awarded with Car for Best Batsman and Bowler in Rookie category and a sponsored training trip to DLCA Australia under Rising Star category. The best coach and players in each format during trials will be presented with mobile phones, motor cycle, sports wrist watches and cricket kitbags.
World Wide Talent chairman Vishal Uppal said, “Our purpose of getting into nation-wide cricket hunt is two-fold. On one hand, it helps identify and promote young talent and gives them a well charted path to make it big in sports; on the other hand it helps us get young children out into sports arenas and grounds. This initiative is unique in the sense that, other than the cricket itself, this also has components of coaching and exposure for youngsters to international cricket programs. We are confident that this tournament can emerge as a very powerful youth mobilization program.”
Maninder Singh inserted, “With India’s vast population and geographical spread, it is not easy for talented players to find the right platform and emerge into the spotlight. Pratibhashali 2017 aspires to be that platform for every deserving cricketer so that great talent never goes unrecognized. These worthy initiatives enrich the broader community and naturally develop individual ambition. Also, DLCA association with this initiative underlines our commitment towards the development of cricket as we endeavour to unearth the best talent in the country and further enhance the skill sets of young players.”
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.
