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Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra takes Rajya Sabha oath
MUMBAI: 3 August 2016. The day the GST Bill was approved by the upper house of the Indian parliament will be a special day for Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chairman Dr Subhash Chandra. That is the day when the media industry pioneer took his oath as member of the Rajya Sabha, his first steps into politics.
For Chandra, it has been a long journey to the corridors of power. While he has – with the help of his younger brothers, Jawahar, Laxmi and Ashok and the next generation of the family – built up an empire (encompassing media and entertainment, manufacturing, precious metals, infrastructure, real estate) which does billions of dollars of annual revenue, he says the time has come for him to give back to India.
Of course, he and his organisations are involved in several spiritual and charitable causes, like the Buddhist Pagoda outside Mumbai, but he would now like to make a difference through governance, by entering the government.
Speaking to reporters outside parliament yesterday he said: “I have done a great deal of business in my life – from the young age of 17 years until 65 years. I thought the time has come to give back to the society and as an MP, I can perhaps help lakhs of people by raising important issues and coaxing different parties to come together as I have good relations with all.”
He is quite optimistic about the government’s initiatives in recent times and going forward. While applauding the passage of the GST bill, he however, had a note of caution, saying that it would not be a panacea for all the ills facing the economy and businesses. He expressed confidence in the Narendra Modi government’s ability to push through other tax reforms which would give business a further push, that would only further help Indian citizens courtesy the trickle down effect.
He stated that he would be first working towards bettering the state of Haryana. “I will be inviting all 90 MLAs for dinner soon and request them to tell me whatever they have in mind for Haryana’s benefit,” he said. “My hallmark has been to raise issues that are often neglected by others. I’ll keep at it
Media observers are hoping that the midas touch that has helped him turn almost everything he touches into success, will serve him well as he begins his journey into politics.
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.
