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Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers
NEW DELHI: As the Covid2019 crisis worsens, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has offered to sponsor vaccines for all members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) through its charitable arm, the Yash Raj Foundation. According to a letter the YRF wrote to the president of FWICE, the foundation has already petitioned Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to help it procure vaccines to inoculate the 30,000-odd members of the cine workers’ body.
The foundation, named after legendary director Yash Chopra, has assured that the cost of the vaccines and all related expenses will be borne by it.
“We have sent a request to the honourable chief minister of Maharashtra to allocate and allow us to purchase Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 registered workers, who are members of the film industry’s federation in Mumbai at the earliest. The Yash Chopra Foundation will bear all other costs too associated with vaccinating the workers such as raising awareness, transportation of workers and setting up of all the required infrastructure for the immunisation programme,” wrote YRF in its letter to FWICE.
The request comes amid a record rise in Covid cases in Mumbai. Given the surging caseloads across Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena-led ruling dispensation had imposed a statewide halt on film production activities.
YRF further said that during these dire times, there is an urgent need to restart filming in the state so that thousands of workers have a steady stream of income to support their families.
Following this letter from YRF, FWICE has also penned a missive to CM Thackeray, urging the government to provide 60,000 doses of the Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 members of the film industry’s federation, according to a report by India Today. In the letter, which has been signed by all the designation holders of FWICE, it is mentioned that once vaccination is complete, members can resume their work without any fear.
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.
