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AIR bags exclusive radio broadcast rights for commentary of Cricket World Cup 2015
NEW DELHI: Even as controversy continues to prevail over how Doordarshan can fulfil the Delhi High Court order in the light of the must-carry clause, All India Radio (AIR) has bagged the exclusive rights for the broadcast of radio commentary for the International Cricket Club Cricket World Cup 2015.
All India Radio will broadcast ball-by-ball bilingual commentary of 17 one-day international (ODI) cricket matches of the forthcoming World Cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand from 15 February to 29 March.
AIR will broadcast commentary of matches that are played by India and some of the matches involving neighbouring countries. It will also broadcast all the matches that will be played from quarter-finals stage onwards.
The commentaries of the 17 ODI matches will be broadcast on the national hook-up and the same will be relayed by 66 identified Medium Wave AIR stations and FM Gold network. All India Radio, Delhi, will broadcast hourly updates of the 17 matches on its FM Rainbow Channel and it will be relayed by all other AIR FM Rainbow Channels, thus ensuring unique dissemination.
The commentary will be interspersed with news and bytes of nationally and internationally acclaimed cricket stars to add value to the coverage. One will hear the close knocking sound of bat, the gasps and the beauty of the match will be crisply worded to give the vivid picture of 17 matches.
The list of the 17 matches will be soon available on AIR website along with the timings. Cricket enthusiasts can also follow on Twitter (@AkashvaniAIR) and the Facebook page (AkashvaniPrasarBharati)
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.
