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Channel for farmers to be launched early next year
NEW DELHI: The Kisan channel is expected to be launched early next year, as soon as the procedures under the existing rules and norms are completed.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry sources said the channel would be in Hindi to begin with and will have inputs from regional Kendras. These programmes will be shared with the Kendras.
The channel would be an education-cum-entertainment one, encompassing all facets of life of a farmer. Besides the core agricultural issues, the content of the channel will deal with various social and economic issues concerning rural India.
Ministry sources said Prasar Bharati inputs would be taken from different agricultural universities and institutes to develop rich content for the channel and the same would be disseminated among the farmers.
In keeping with the budget announcement about setting up a Kisan channel, by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Prasar Bharati has already invited applications for recruitments in the channel which will be round-the-clock.
DD is hoping to engage people in the field of production as well as marketing in positions ranging from senior to mid to junior level.
There are a total of 67 vacant posts of post production professionals, visual graphics designers, record keepers, senior videographers, junior videographers, senior production executives, production executives, senior creative editors, creative editors, senior presenters, presenters, copy editor–cum-writers, programme trainees, head- sales and marketing, and senior sales and marketing executives.
Other steps being taken by Prasar Bharati for this channel include: production of in-house and outsourced content; liaison with relevant ministries to get inputs for channel content and for which advertisements will be issued; calculation of budget and expenditure for the channel; crowd sourcing for channel name, logo, jingles etc and issue of advertisement for channel packaging and branding along with look and feel and montage.
Jaitley had announced in his budget speech on 10 July that a sum of Rs 100 crore would be allocated for this channel. However, the budget for I&B Ministry shows an allocation of Rs 90 crore for this in the year 2014-15.
Meanwhile, the Krishi Darshan programmes of Doordarshan are being telecast under the ‘Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension’ funded by the Agriculture Ministry focusing on dissemination of modern agricultural techniques by involving experts from various fields like insurance, banking, credit for farmers, State Government schemes on agriculture/ fisheries/veterinary science/water and soil conservation/social forestry etc.
In addition, a programme ‘Mera Gaon Connection telecast at prime time on DD National also introduces modern agricultural techniques to the viewers.
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.
