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Worldspace installs satellite receiver at Sringeri Mutt
BANGALORE: His Holiness Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham, consecrated the WorldSpace Satellite Radio broadcast at the Sringeri Sharada Mutt on 25 January.
According to a company release, His Holiness lit the auspicious lamp and switched on the WorldSpace Satellite Receiver at the Pravachana Mandiram inside the premises of the Sringeri Mutt in the presence of devotees, and listened to the Shruti and Gandharv channels. WorldSpace has two dedicated 24-hour channels for Indian Classical Music, viz., Shruti (Carnatic) and Gandharv (Hindustani).
The installation of WorldSpace receivers in the premises of the Sringeri Mutt has been possible through an arrangement with the administration of the Mutt, according to which Shruti and Gandharv, the two channels devoted to Indian Classical Music, will be played through the day in the Pravachana Mandiram and the dining halls in the Mutt. The dining halls can seat up to 5,000 people at a time, and have been fitted with more than 60 speakers that will relay Indian Classical Music played on WorldSpace Satellite Radio.
Speaking on the occasion, CEO and administrator, Sri Sringeri Mutt V R Gowri Shankar and its properties said, “Our ancient music, both in Carnatic and Hindustani styles, has played a big role in shaping our lifestyle, devotion and commitment to peaceful living. The work that our friends at WorldSpace Satellite Radio are doing, broadcasting these channels dedicated to Indian Classical Music to listeners all over the world is unique and laudable. This contribution of WorldSpace to promote our traditional music is very praiseworthy. May Goddess Sharada and the Jagadguru bless them with all prosperity, strength and will to continue this service.”
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.
