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DD to mark 50 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak war
NEW DELHI: Famed singers Suresh Wadekar and Kavita Krishnamurthy today emphasised that artistes from Bollywood always came forward for a good cause without charging any fee, but someone else had to take the initiative for such events.
Answering questions at a press meet to announce the ‘Smarananjali’ musical programme being held on 30 October to mark 50 years of the 1965 war with Pakistan and pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in the defence of the country, both artistes denied that Bollywood artistes were reluctant in participating in such programmes.
Smarananjali is the concept of Doordarshan additional director general Mahesh Joshi, who had commenced such programmes when he was in the Bangalore Kendra of Doordarshan and now initiated the same in Delhi.
To be organised by Delhi Kendra of Doordarshan, the programme will also feature violin maestro Dr L Subramaniam who was present at the press meet along with the other artistes. It will also have performances by Pankaj Udhas, artistes from the Subramaniam Foundation. The musical tribute will be interlaced with specially choreographed dance performances of memorable patriotic songs by Manjula Parmesh and group. An additional attraction is the on-the-spot painting by renowned painter B S Verma and a dance by soldiers from the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) who will perform to the song “Ma Tujhe Salaam”.
Dr Mukesh Chandra, who is a special police officer for Delhi Traffic Police said he is an amateur flutist and will also perform at the event.
Prasar Bharati senior advisor Brig. VAM Hussain said it was necessary for the common man to realise the hardships that the armed forces faced. He said the attempt would be to make this programme an annual affair.
This programme will be telecast later on DD National and is also aimed at helping the brave soldiers and their families and keep the deeds and bravery of valiant soldiers in public memory.
‘Smarananjali’ is being planned in the form of a lyrical tribute by artistes on stage to martyrs in the presence of their families and the Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, and the Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air force and Chiefs of Paramilitary forces. Religious leaders from different religious groups will also be present to pay homage to the martyrs.
The selected special guests will pay homage to the martyrs by lighting a candle before a replica of the Amar Jawan Jyoti and a soldier.
Three Param Vir Chakra Awardees will also be honoured at the tribute event. They are Hony Capt Bana Singh (Retd), 8 J&K LI, Sub Yogender Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and N/SUB Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK RIF.
The Defence Ministry has appreciated the concept of the programme and is fully supporting Doordarshan’s efforts to organise the event.
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.
