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Zee South Cluster donates Rs 1.35 crore to daily-wage workers
MUMBAI: Zee South Cluster, part of the Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, has cumulatively donated Rs 1.35 crore to support more than 1,000 pandemic-hit daily-wage workers in the television industry across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala. The aid has been directly sent to their bank accounts, thus avoiding delays.
This initiative of Zee Network has come as a boon to the entire television and production ecosystem, at a time when people have needed it the most, be it for medical expenses or basic necessities. In the wake of shoots coming to halt, these funds have been of immense benefit to daily wage earners as it helps them make ends meet. The workers have also expressed gratitude towards the network for easing their burden in these troubled times.
“We are truly moved by the generosity and kindness that the channel has shown us in this time of crisis. All the crew members are thankful that Zee has stood by us and treated us like family. The aid provided by the channel has helped us manage our daily expenses. My family and I will always be grateful for the help extended to us by Zee”, said Senthil, a crew member of Zee Tamil’s fiction shows Sathya and Rajamagal.
Aroor Jagadish, producer and director of Zee Kannada’s fiction show Jothe Jotheyali, said: “It has been a difficult with the Covid2019 pandemic and Zee has been a pillar of support for us, helping us get through this time. The initiative has immensely helped reduce the financial burden on our families and we are blessed to be a part of the Zee family. With the lockdown being phased out and operations resuming, we continue to rely on the Zee Network for constant support during this crucial period.”
“It is during such difficult times that the community must rise to the occasion and take responsibility. We believe that all of us have a basic duty to give back to the society, contributing in whatever way possible to join the efforts in coming of this grave crisis. This initiative of the network to support the daily wage workers in the television industry is a testament to our commitment in supporting the people who form such a crucial part of our industry and hopefully enable them to cope with the new normal that COVID-19 has left us in”, said Siju Prabhakaran, south cluster head, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Pvt Ltd.
Ever since the pandemic struck, ZEEL has come forth to join the fight against Covid2019. Recently, through a unique digital concert in commemoration of 25 years of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, the network raised funds for GIVEINDIA towards those affected. Further, all of its employees were urged to donate voluntarily to the PM CARES Fund and the network matched the amount collected with its own and the total was contributed to the fund. With its belief of ‘extraordinary together’ the network has been a responsible players in giving back to the society, especially the daily wage workers who form the backbone of the industry.
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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.
