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Regional TAM: Malayalam GEC genre witness 7% growth
MUMBAI: In the south general entertainment channel (GEC) space, it was the Malayalam GEC genre that saw maximum growth. The genre rose by seven per cent recording 1,682 GRPs, up from 1,568 GRPs that it had registered in week 28.
In week 29 of TAM TV ratings, Asianet garnered around four per cent of its viewership levels registering 901 GRPs, up from 866 GRPs. Mazhavil Manorama captured the second position with 257 GRPs, down from 259 GRPs. While, Surya TV garnered 29 per cent of growth recording 255 GRPs, up from 198 GRPs.
To achieve its average threshold level in week 29, Tamil GEC genre observed the second slot in the category. Despite shedding numbers, Sun TV continued to dominate the chart with 1178 GRPs, down from 1201 GRPs. Sun TV’s fall was Vijay TV and Z Tamil’s gain. The channels notes 395 GRPs, up from 341 GRPs and 129 GRPs, up from 125 GRPs at number two and third respectively.
Z Telugu has been on a growing trend and witnessed a rise of eight per cent in viewership levels with a leading position in the Telugu GEC genre. The channel marked 555 GRPs, up from 512 GRPs. Gemini garnered second position from its third spot last week with a rise of 13 per cent in viewership levels. It scored 551 GRPs, up from 489 GRPs followed by ETV with 426 GRPs, up from 402 GRPs at number three.
Kannada GEC genre stood at the bottom most position with 1,441 GRPs, down from 1,445 GRPs. Udaya TV witnessed a minimal rise in viewership and scored 482 GRPs, up from 471 GRPs. On the other hand, Colors Kannada at number two reported 402 GRPs, down from 421 GRPs. Suvarna stood at number three with 256 GRPs, up from 253 GRPs.
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.
