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MUMBAI: The Essel Group and its flagship, Zee Network, have unveiled
an ambitious Awards programme aimed at recognising institutions
or individuals who have made a significant contribution in public
or private life. The Awards aim at celebrating the contribution
of unsung heroes in various fields in order to encourage them to
scale greater heights.
Announcing the launch of the Awards, Essel Group and Zee Network
Chairman, Mr Subhash Chandra said: "Ours is a Group fired by
the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. Through these Awards,
we hope to inspire the youth and instil in them a pride for India's
rich heritage. The Awards represent the Group's strong resolve to
empower the people and thereby build a vibrant and resurgent India."
The Awards will be instituted under different categories every
month, beginning January 2007. The categories are: Legislator (January),
Sports (February), Civil Service (March), NGO /Social Worker (April),
Police /fire force (May), Legal (June), Minister (July), Young innovator
/entrepreneur (August), Medical service (September), Art, Culture
and Literature (October), Media (November), Gram Panchayat / Zilla
Member (December).
The Award series will first be launched in Karnataka and then replicated
in other States.
"These Awards will ignite young minds, awaken dormant senses
and motivate the people to strive for a brighter future," Mr
M. Gautham Machaiah, Vice-President, Corporate and Public Affairs
added.
This is a truly a people's Award, where the general public plays
a key role in selecting the winner. For each category, nominations
will be invited from the public and prominent citizens of the State.
The nominations will be sifted by a screening committee and then
put before a jury of eminent citizens, which will shortlist five
finalists. A capsule on the five finalists will be produced and
telecast on Zee Network. The public will then be invited to vote
for best in each category.
"It is significant that the Awards are being launched in Karnataka
to coincide with the Suvarna Karnataka celebrations. Zee Kannada
is proud to be associated with these Awards," Head of Zee South
Initiative Mr R. Ajay Kumar said.
In the case of Karnataka's Best Legislator, the parameters for
the selection include: exemplary public service, commitment to issues,
clean image and integrity, social and economic uplift of the constituency
and constituents, accessibility to the people, and performance in
the State legislature. The last date for receiving nominations is
December 15, 2006.
The Jury for the Best Legislator's Award comprises Justice M.F.
Saldhana, former Judge, Karnataka High Court (Chairman); Mr H.S.
Balram, Editor, The Times of India, Bangalore; Dr M.S. Thimmappa,
former Bangalore University Vice-chancellor; Mr M.C. Nanaiah, former
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs; and Ms Teresa Bhattacharya,
former Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.
The Essel Group stands out as a shining example of a socially conscious
corporate citizen. Education is among the causes that the Group
is most passionate about. The Ekal Vidayalaya Foundation of India,
headed by Mr Chandra provides free education to over five lakh tribal
children every year in remote parts of the country.
The Essel Group with interests spanning across news, entertainment,
packaging, infrastructure and communication, is a pioneer in virtually
every business that it ventures into. The Group has always responded
to opportunities created by changes in technology and captured the
first-mover advantage - be it satellite television (Zee TV), amusement
parks (Essel World) or cable distribution (Siticable).
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