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Yahoo to cash on Indo-Pak cricket with games and contests
MUMBAI: Yahoo! India is all geared to capture the current cricket fever. The Internet communications and media company is adding new dimension to the recent Indo-Pak cricket clash, by extending the battle from the cricket pitch to the mobile handset.
The company today announced the launch of BeatPak – an interactive SMS game, which provides every cricket lover in the country an opportunity to not only beat Pakistan through the Y! India shortcode 8243, but also walk away with an attractive prize in the bargain.
The package consisting Beat Pak SMS Game, Wishes for Indian Team, SMS Contest, LIVE Cricket updates, Special Logos, Picture Messages and Animated SMS and can be accessed, by sending CHEER to Yahoo! short-code 8243, says a company release.
Visiters can also send their wishes to their favorite player and the 10 best wishes will be displayed on the Y! India homepage.
According to Yahoo! India country manager Neville Tarporewalla, “BeatPak will add spark to the Cheer India Campaign initiated by Yahoo! India on its homepage www.yahoo.co.in. The Y! India shortcode 8243 is already extensively used by cricket lovers across the country to get ball by ball update on their mobile phones via sms.”
BeatPak is an interactive SMS game, which provides users with a random match scenario of the a) Venue, b) Overs to be played, c) Players on the field and d) Match target.
User starts by sending the sms BEATPAK to 8243. The battle goes on over to over to over and the user continues playing by replying NEXT to 8243. A detailed summary is provided for each over after the final over of the match, a message like the one below will be displayed on the mobile screen, adds the release
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.
