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New DD series to highlight contribution of Indian women scientists
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is commencing a unique television series on trend-making women scientists which will commence from 20 July on DD Bharati.
To be telecast at 8.30 am every Saturday, ‘Scientifically Yours’ is a 13-episode series, which will have interactive discussion and series on a section of society that has not been sufficiently covered in the country.
The programme has been produced by Vigyan Prasar in collaboration with National Institute for Science communication and resources (NISCAIR).
This is an effort to bring the living women legends in science on to the centre stage with their achievements and contributions and communicate to the youth of the country.
This may help in creating role models for students and researchers especially for girl students and motivate them in pursuing careers in science and technology.
Women scientists have been identified from various fields of research such as Physical Sciences, Biological sciences, Chemical sciences, Immunology, Agriculture etc.
The eminent scientists being covered include Dr Indira Nath, a pioneer in the field of medical sciences who made major contributions and worked for Leprosy; eminent physicist Dr Bimla Butti who worked in the field of Plasma Physics from Physical Research Laboratory; renowned biotechnologist Dr Manju Sharma from the Department of Biotechnology of the Government; renowned scientist Dr Vibha Tandon working in the field of Medicinal Chemistry at Jawaharlal Nehru University; and eminent scientist Dr Sunita Saxena from the Indian Council for Medical Research who works in the field of Pathology.
The others who would feature in the show include Dr Kasturi Datta who is pioneer in Cellular and Molecular Biology and worked in JNU; profound endocrinologist and Indian Institute of Immunology Director Dr Chandrima Shaha; Quantum physicist Dr Rupamanjari Ghosh and Dr Rupamanjari Ghosh from JNU and Honorary Scientist Dr Renu Khanna Chopra from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute who has worked on Photosynthesis in relation to crop productivity, mechanism of Heterosis and Drought resistance in crop plant.
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.
