The Lucknow Tribune Excellence Awards 2024: Honouring Achievers With a Difference

Lucknow – The Lucknow Tribune, the city’s leading English weekly, proudly hosted the 5th edition of its highly anticipated annual Excellence Awards during the National Book Fair at Balrampur Garden. This year’s event was a grand celebration of individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions across various sectors of society, ranging from healthcare and sports to startups and social work.

Honoring Excellence Across Multiple Sectors

The Lucknow Tribune Excellence Awards have grown in stature since their inception, with each edition surpassing the previous one in scale and recognition. The 2024 ceremony, much like its predecessors, was a testament to the diverse talent and social impact stemming from Lucknow and beyond. Over the years, distinguished personalities such as Ranjan Kumar (former Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow), D.K. Thakur (former Lucknow Police Commissioner), Asim Arun, State Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Renuka Mishra (former DG Police) have graced the event, making it a hallmark of prestige and excellence.

Notable Personalities and Special Guests

This year’s ceremony was graced by several prominent figures, including Sanjay Bhoosreddy, Chairman of UP RERA, and Yogesh Kumar IAS,  Special Secretary, Home Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Founder Chairman, Health City Vistaar. Special wishes were sent by VP Sahi, former General Manager of the Times of India, and industry leaders like Jai Agarwal, MD of the C.P. Milk & Food products. Pvt. Ltd. This further elevated the prestige of the event. Present with the esteemed dignitaries were K.P. Singh, Managing Editor, The Lucknow Tribune, Manoj Singh Chandel, Convenor, National Book Fair, and Prem Kant Tiwari, Senior Broadcast professional who hosted the ceremony. The event was held in association with BMC Superspeciality Hospital and Trauma Centre, Gyan Dairy, Gyandhara, 21st National Book Fair, Ekana Sportz City, Cut & Style Salon, Indian Investors Federation, Ganga Laxmi Clinic Gynae and IVF Centre, Meghdoot, Valencia IVF and Kiran Foundation.

A Spotlight on 2024 Award Categories

This year’s awards covered an even broader spectrum, ensuring that achievers from a wide variety of fields were honored for their dedication and contributions to society.

1. Healthcare: Doctors from renowned institutions such as KGMU, SGPGI, Health City Vistaar, Max Healthcare, and others were recognized for their tireless efforts in medical care and innovation. Notable awardees included:

• • Dr. Ashutosh Pandey – Health City Vistaar, Lucknow

Dr. Ashutosh Pandey specializes in pediatric surgery, providing comprehensive care for children from newborns to adolescents. His expertise in pediatric endoscopic procedures is well-regarded, particularly in bronchoscopy and lower urinary tract endoscopy. He has a significant number of cases in these fields, positioning him as a leading pediatric surgeon in Lucknow.

2. Dr. B. K. Ojha – KGMU, Lucknow

Dr. B.K. Ojha, MS, MCh, is a Professor and Head of Neurosurgery at King George’s Medical University (KGMU). His areas of expertise include transsphenoidal surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, endoscopic neurosurgery, spinal surgery, and micro neurosurgery. He is recognized for his contributions to advancing these specialties in Uttar Pradesh.

3. Dr. Pratul Raj Gupta – Nova Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. Pratul Raj Gupta is a Consultant Gastro Surgeon at Nova Hospital, specializing in gastro and general surgery. With over 32 years of experience, including a senior surgical gastroenterology role at SGPGIMS Lucknow, he has been serving Nova Hospital since 2004, providing expert care in gastrointestinal surgeries.

4. Dr. Vishwas Verma – Vishwas Eye and Laser Centre, Lucknow

Dr. Vishwas Verma is an eye surgeon specializing in a wide range of procedures, including cataract surgery, intraocular lenses, and treatment for conditions such as iritis, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Outside of his medical profession, he is also a sports enthusiast and musician.

5. Dr. Siddharth Singh – BMC Superspeciality Hospital and Trauma Centre, Lucknow

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Siddharth Singh is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and the founder of the soon-to-be-launched BMC Superspeciality Hospital and Trauma Centre, a 100-bed facility. His new venture aims to provide advanced orthopedic care in Lucknow.

6. Dr. R.P. Singh – Gomtinagar, Lucknow

Dr. R.P. Singh, an MS in Orthopedics and a Gold Medalist, specializes in joint replacement, arthroscopy, and orthopedic surgeries. His global exposure includes training with renowned surgeons in Germany and Mumbai, and he is well-regarded for his innovative approaches in the field.

7. Dr. Sandeep Garg – Health City Vistaar, Lucknow

Co-founder and Director of Health City Vistaar, Dr. Sandeep Garg is a pioneer in modern orthopedic care in Lucknow. He has made significant contributions to medical education and research, organizing workshops, conferences, and live surgical demonstrations to promote joint replacement and trauma surgery at both national and global levels.

8. Dr. Surya Kant Tripathi – KGMU, Lucknow

Dr. Surya Kant Tripathi is the Professor and Head of Respiratory Medicine at KGMU. He is a leading figure in the field, holding various prestigious positions, including National President of the Indian Chest Society. He has authored numerous books and research publications and has received several awards, including the Vigyan Gaurav Award.

9. Dr. Pratipal Singh – Nova Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. Pratipal Singh is a Consultant Urologist at Nova Hospital, specializing in urosurgery. He has been part of the hospital since 2015, previously working at SGPGIMS Lucknow and Shekhar Hospital. His expertise extends to various areas of urology, and he is an active member of the Indian Medical Association and Urological Society of India.

10. Dr. Samir Mohindra – SGPGI, Lucknow

Dr. Samir Mohindra is a leading gastroenterologist at SGPGI, known for his work in ascites, ampullary cancer, hereditary pancreatitis, and endoscopic treatments. With over 55 peer-reviewed publications and involvement in clinical trials, his contributions to gastrointestinal research are substantial.

11. Dr. Nalini Singh – BMC Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. Nalini Singh is an anesthesiologist specializing in organ transplant anesthesia. With training at prestigious institutions such as SGPGI and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, she is part of the founding team of the 100-bed BMC Superspeciality Hospital.

12. Dr. Sunil Verma – Max Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. Sunil Verma, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Superspeciality Hospital, is a specialist in diabetes, hypertension management, tropical diseases, and critical care. He played a crucial role in the management of COVID-19 and continues to be a key figure in post-COVID care.

13. Dr. S.P.S. Tulsi – Max Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow

Dr. S.P.S. Tulsi, Director of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery at Max Superspeciality Hospital, is renowned for his work in facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate surgeries, and maxillofacial surgery. His expertise extends to dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and various reconstructive surgeries.

14. Dr. Shashank Chaudhary – Max Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow

A specialist in surgical oncology, Dr. Shashank Chaudhary is part of the team at Max Superspeciality Hospital. He holds memberships in esteemed associations such as the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology and the Indian Medical Association. His work focuses on oncology surgeries and related treatments.

15. Dr. Kumudini Chauhan – Ganga Laxmi IVF Hospital

• Kumudini Chauhan is the Director and Infertility Specialist at Ganga Laxmi IVF, Lucknow. She is all set to spearhead the upcoming 100-bed Ganga Laxmi Hospital, which aims to provide cost-effective and top-notch medical services. Under her leadership, a team of expert doctors and paramedical staff is dedicated to delivering ethical, transparent, and highly specialized treatments.

Dr. Chauhan is a renowned Gynaecologist, with specializations in IVF, Infertility treatments, and Laparoscopy. Her vision is to make advanced fertility and gynecological treatments accessible to a broader population, offering high-quality care at affordable rates.

2. Sports: This year’s awards highlighted outstanding athletes, including cricketers like Chandel Kaartikeya Singh and Shaurya Singh, who gained recognition in the UPT20 League, and para-badminton champion Abu Hubaida, a Paralympian who brought glory to India with international titles and a national championship win.
3. Literature and Journalism: Esteemed writers and journalists were also celebrated, including:
   • Sudhir Mishra, a renowned journalist and author, for his significant contributions to Indian media and literature. He is best known for works like Hybrid Neta and Musafir Hoon Yaaron.
   • Raj Kumar Singh, whose works such as Har Kisa Adhura Hai and Udaasi Koi Bhawna Nahi continue to resonate with readers.
4. Startups and Innovation: Special recognition was given to promising startups, particularly in the fields of agriculture and healthcare. Noteworthy startups included:
   • Med-Cab Care Private Limited, led by Sneha Chauhan, which has revolutionized emergency medical services across India.
   • Arkision AI Private Limited, founded by Shahbaz Ahmed Siddiqui, an AI-driven startup offering real-time analytics solutions.
   • Predulive Innovations Private Limited, led by Shivanshu Dwivedi, whose hybrid VTOL drone technology is redefining aerial surveillance and data collection.
   • Also in the list was Nitish Dixit of Nav Shakti Biofertilizers Pvt Limited.
   • This year’s ceremony also highlighted emerging entrepreneurs like Himanshu Saxenaof Esniff Devices Private Limited, whose innovations in food quality analysis are set to transform the industry.
5. Social Work and NGOs: Several organizations and individuals making a difference in the community were honored, such as:
   • Aparna Mishra, Founder of Womenshine, for empowering women and amplifying their voices through her platform.
   • Neha Zaidi, an animal welfare activist dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals in Lucknow.
   • As well as Vishal Srivastava, who is making strides in social empowerment through his work with the Kiran Foundation.
6. Education and Empowerment: The Sarthak Foundation, represented by Kshama Hastak, was awarded for its efforts in educating underprivileged children and providing them with holistic development opportunities. While Kshama could not personally be present to receive her award, she sent her Thank You note to the organizers.
7. Others included :

Durgesh Awasthi – Gyandhara

Established in 2018, Gyandhara has quickly grown to become a leading manufacturer of high-quality cattle feed in Uttar Pradesh.  Durgesh Awasthi, the driving force behind the company, has been instrumental in not only providing premium cattle feed but also in empowering farmers with knowledge about effective dairy farming techniques. With a robust team of over 150 skilled employees and an advanced automated manufacturing facility that produces 500 metric tons of feed daily, Gyandhara reaches over 2.5 lakh farmers. The company operates through a network of more than 3,200 retailers and 200 distributors, boasting an annual turnover of over ₹225 crores.

Mohammed Alim – Nukkar Printing & Binding Centre

Mohammed Alim, the figure behind Nukkar Printing & Binding Centre in Lucknow, is celebrated for his excellence in the traditional printing and binding industry. His establishment gained recognition when NDTV acknowledged his stellar craftsmanship. Nukkar Printing & Binding Centre, although modest, is renowned for its old-school, dependable printing and binding services. His dedication to maintaining quality and craftsmanship has made his center a standout in Lucknow’s printing landscape.

Sarvesh Goel – Educationist & Filmmaker

Sarvesh Goel is a multifaceted personality, excelling both as an educationist and filmmaker in Lucknow. As the Chairman of GD Goenka Public School, one of the most prestigious schools in Lucknow, Sarvesh Goel has contributed significantly to the education sector. He also chairs the Man Singh Goel Group, furthering his impact on business and education in India. Additionally, Sarvesh Goel heads & Productions, a film production company, merging his passion for cinema with his business acumen. His dual roles in education and filmmaking reflect his diverse expertise and influence.

Shweta Chaudhary: Owners of the Cut & Style salon were also acknowledged for their work. Since its inception in Gurugram, Haryana, on February 28, 2000, Cut & Style Salon as a chain has steadily established itself as a brand that typifies a robust physique, a sharp intellect, a pristine soul, and a duty to serve humanity. With 100 outlets pan India, 20 cities covered, and 23 years of styling, it has steadfastly pushed the customer service quotient to the next level.

Making inroads into Lucknow, a new franchisee of the chain has now opened in Lucknow’s Vishal Khand. The salon is spearheaded by Vivek and Shweta, both lifestyle enthusiasts who have cut their teeth in the corporate world for little over a decade.

A Tradition of Excellence and Impact

One of the hallmarks of The Lucknow Tribune Excellence Awards is the recognition of healthcare professionals who have significantly impacted society. Past awardees, such as Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, who recently launched the 300-bed Health City Vistaar, Dr. Kumudini Chauhan, heading Ganga Laxmi  Hospital, and Dr. Siddharth Singh, opening the 100-bed BMC Super Speciality Hospital & Trauma Centre, have continued to inspire others with their work.

A Night to Remember

The Lucknow Tribune Excellence Awards 2024 brought together a remarkable array of talent, passion, and innovation under one roof. As the city of Lucknow continues to flourish across multiple sectors, this event stands as a shining example of how individual and collective efforts can bring about significant change and development. As the night concluded, it left the audience with a profound sense of pride in the city’s bright future and a collective hope for even greater achievements in the years to come.