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Doordarshan automates its commercial operations
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is going full swing on its proposed revamp. And it’s not just the new programming lineup that the pubcaster is looking at.
As reported earlier by indiantelevision.com , DD has been working hard at upgrading its backend services and in the process was looking at moving from its semi-integrated software that handles different departments manually, to Broadcast Air Time Scheduling System (BATS) software, which integrates all the departments online. The software has been provided by Media Nucleus.
In the latest, Doordarshan has officially launched the BATS traffic and billing software which will now connect its Delhi and Mumbai offices. It can be noted that the pubcaster was looking at completing the integration in three phases. “This is the phase I of the process, in which we have integrated Delhi and Mumbai offices. Our aim is to complete the integration of all the 67 kendras by February 2015,” informed Doordarshan deputy director general CK Jain.
The aim of the BATS software is to provide satisfactory services to the pubcaster’s clients and advertising agencies. Inaugurated by Prasar Bharati chairman Dr A Surya Prakash, the application will integrate all the departments of scheduling, sales and billing, which were earlier being handled manually causing delays and several disputes with agencies.
The application will provide an integrated solution for all processes including sales, scheduling, billing and receipts. It is a menu driven enterprise, an ad scheduling and billing software which has been customised to the needs of Doordarshan. It has various modules associated with respective departments involved in ad-scheduling, logging and billing.
The decision of upgrading the backend was taken since Doordarshan with its wide network of kendras and regional channels across the country was facing difficulty to monitor its outstanding revenue initially, as it was done manually.
The chairman appreciating the initiative said, “Doordarshan should have taken this step 10 years ago but nonetheless this would bring much needed fairness and transparency into the system and will improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the organisation. Doordarshan is a media unit and has to function like a professional media unit as its activities are closely watched by all.”
Once implemented, BATS will bring much needed efficiency into commercial operations. This centrally-monitored software has all the relevant commercial details available on a single webpage for the management to check at one go. It ensures that all the information is relayed in real time across locations and networks.
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.
