‘IBN7 partners with the Ability Foundation and Aamir Khan to laud the achievements of the differently abled through ‘IBN7 Bajaj Allianz Super Idols’

New Delhi, 14th Jan 2010: IBN7 - India’s Channel of Impact is proud to announce it’s partnership with The Ability Foundation and celebrated actor Aamir Khan for the IBN7 Bajaj Allianz Super Idols’ awards which will recognize, celebrate and honour those achievers with disabilities who have risen beyond conventional barriers to achieve their chosen dreams. Chennai based The Ability Foundation which is committed to bring out the latent talents of persons with disabilities to make them socially and economically independent in the Knowledge Partner for the initiative. Additionally noted actor Aamir Khan has also lent his voice to the cause and will be the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony to be held in Mumbai on January 19, 2010.

Ability Foundation is a national cross disability umbrella organisation indefatigably focussing on the potentials of persons with disabilities and acts as a bridge between persons with and without disabilities. The sterling work done by the Ability Foundation to move towards a more equitable society with equal opportunities for the differently abled, made them the natural choice for a knowledge partner for this path breaking initiative by IBN7. Moreover Aamir Khan who has constantly lent his voice in support of the differently abled and is recognized not just as one of the superstars of the Indian silver screen but also an actor with a social conscience has also aligned himself with the initiative.

The “Super Idols” are life transforming stories of people with disabilities who never bowed down to their circumstances or gave up hope but walked on fighting, against all odds, with sheer grit and will power as their weapons, and eventually emerging victorious. They are people who lead and inspire by example and make us better human beings, as we learn to view life in an appreciative paradigm and awaken the spirit of self belief in us.

Speaking on the partnership, Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7 said, “We at IBN7 are happy and proud to announce our association with the Ability Foundation and Aamir Khan to salute these Super Idols of our society who have braved diverse adversities to emerge victorious even in the face of crippling disabilities. The exceptional work done by the Ability Foundation in promoting the empowerment and mainstream integration of the differently abled make them the apt choice for our knowledge partners for this initiative. We are also privileged to have on board Aamir Khan who has been vocal in his support for the equal rights of the differently abled."

Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-chief, IBN18 added, “This partnership brings together IBN7 the channel dedicated to positive journalism, Aamir Khan a respected champion of various social causes and the Ability Foundation an organisation which has done exceptional and pioneering work in championing the cause of the differently abled. I am sure together we can take this initiative to new heights and encourage the differently abled to scale new heights of achievement.”

Speaking on his association with the IBN7 Super Idols Aamir Khan, Actor commented “I feel fortunate to be associated with such an initiative. Differently abled people need skills and knowledge that will help them have a standing in society. But, most of all these people need to be loved and respected. I am glad that IBN7 has come up with this unique platform to honour these people with extraordinary abilities.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Radhika Rammoorthy, Senior Program Officer, Ability Foundation, said, “It is an honor to be associated with IBN7 Super Idols that recognizes the outstanding achievement of the differently abled people in various fields. This initiative will also motivate others in the society to utilize their talent in the best way and promote a society offering equal opportunities for all.”

About Network 18
Network18 [BSE: 532798,NSE: Network18] is one of India's leading full play media conglomerates with interests in television, print, internet, filmed entertainment, mobile content and allied businesses. Through its holding in Television Eighteen India Ltd (TV18) [BSE: 532299, NSE: TV-18], Network18 operates India’s leading business news television channels, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz. It also runs one of India’s largest Internet players - Web18, as well as one of India’s leading real time financial information and news terminals - Newswire18. TV18 has recently expanded into print with Infomedia18, a newly formed entity following the acquisition of Infomedia, India's leading player in the special interest publishing and printing operations space.TV18 has also announced collaboration with Forbes media for the launch of a business magazine in India. Through its holding in ibn18 Broadcast Ltd (ibn18) [BSE: 532800,NSE: ibn18], Network18 operates in the general news and entertainment space with leading general news channels CNN-IBN and IBN7 and has launched IBN Lokmat, a Marathi news channel in partnership with the Lokmat group. ibn18 also operates a joint venture with Viacom, called Viacom18 which houses the MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon channels in India - as also Studio18, the Group’s filmed entertainment operation and has launched ‘Colors’, a Hindi general entertainment channel. Additionally, Network18 holds the Group’s online & on-air home shopping venture, Homeshop18 and its full spectrum events management venture, E18.

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