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Doordarshan and UNICEF honour Maharashtra’s Navjyotis
MUMBAI: Nine girls coming from culturally diverse backgrounds and different parts of the state have one common message to share – ‘Girls are not any less’. These are Navjyoti’s, nine girls achievers for 2014, who have struggled hard to shape their lives and also bring about change in their own community.
A joint venture of UNICEF and Doordashan Mumbai Kendra, Navjyoti programme aims to give recognition to initiatives taken by the girls despite their adverse circumstances. Started in 2003, Navjyoti celebrated its eleventh year in a colorfully decked studio in Mumbai’s television center Doordarshan in this weekend. Once again, the stories of ‘girl power’ unfolded and stunned the audience during this inspiring and emotional evening. Nine girls from remote Maharashtra were felicitated by Doordashan and UNICEF in Navjyoti awards for resisting child marriages and also helping other girls fight the scourge.
All these girls are being felicitated for being role models in their villages. They come from very underprivileged backgrounds, and struggle to study. Navjyoti awards which are partnered by Doordarshan Sahyadri and UNICEF are an encouragement for them.
These nine Navjoti’s received the UNICEF and Doordarshan Awards this year:
- Rohini Pashte from Pithori Shirasgaon (Jalna)
- Shevanti Rathod from Farhatpur (Tanda) in Latur
- Prateeksha Waghmare from Hiwari Pahari in Beed
- Devika Katingal in Kulbhatti village from Gadchiroli
- Radha Shinde from Ukalgaon in Parbhani
- Ravina Mengar from Chindkle Khaire in Nashik
- Sarla Rathod from Nimpha in Yavatmal district
- Poornima Ade from Sewadas Nagar in Chandrapur district
- Ashwini Gosavi, from Wadale in Nandurbar district.
Doordarshan Addl. director general Mukesh Sharma said, “Doordarshan continues to play its role as a National Broadcaster and believes in encouraging such initiatives which ultimately benefits the entire society. Education has the power to transform lives. If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family – and a whole nation. I have always believed that investing in a girl’s education is investing in a nation’s growth and development”.
For all the Navjyoti girls it was a special moment in their lives. They received honors from eminent and inspiring personalities like Shaina NC, Meera Bowankar, Samruddhi Pore, Nishigandha Wad, Richard Bell, Faiyaaz, Rajeshri Chandrasekhar and Dr. Nandita Palshetkar. The courage of these girls is promising and a reassurance of a bright future for our country,” remained a common feeling expressed by the guests.
DD Sahyadri will telecast the program ‘Navjyoti Sahyadrichya’ on 20 December 2014 from 4:00 pm onwards.
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.
