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Zee Bangla announces special programming for Mahalaya
Mumbai: Zee Bangla has come up with a special musical offering “Agomoni Aradhana” around Mahalaya to engage with its digital and TV audiences. The celebration will begin with digital festive content, starting from midnight to 4:30 a.m on 6 October, followed by Mahalaya telecast on Zee Bangla from 5 a.m onwards.
“Agomoni Aradhana” is a musical extravaganza bringing together well-known celebrities spanning two different generations to celebrate Mahalaya with a collection of more than 40 songs consisting of Rabindrasangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Agomoni, classical, Bangla modern, and Band songs. It will feature singers including Jayati Chakraborty, Raghob Chatterjee, Sahoj Ma, Madhubanti Bagchi, Durnibar, Aditi Munshi, Neeharika (first runner up, “SaReGaMaPa“), Arkadeep (winner “SaReGaMaPa“), and Anushka (second runner up, “SaReGaMaPa”), along with popular YouTuber and singer Rishi Panda.
The show aims to connect with the viewers on the eve of Mahalaya – a night that is ritualistically known as nishijapon, where people stay up all night and tune into radio or TV to listen or watch Mahalaya. “Agomoni Aradhana” will enthrall audiences with four hours of programming showcasing an array of Bangla cultural performances.
On the digital front, celebrities like Srima and Anik, and YouTube sensation ‘Wonder Munna’ have been roped in as hosts of a “Youth Adda” and other content initiatives, respectively. “Agomoni Aradhana” will premiere on Zee Bangla Facebook page on 6 October at midnight.
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.
