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After DTH, Prasar Bharati now looking to DTT
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NEW DELHI: Flushed with the success its free DTH service (over 2.5 million subscribers claimed) is enjoying, national broadcaster Doordarshan is now toying with the idea of starting a mobile digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) to target tour and bus operators. What’s more, the Maran family-controlled Sun TV group has evinced interest in partnering with Prasar Bharati, which controls DD, in the DTT project so the channel offering could be increased and have variety. |
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Pointing out that the DTT project could cost up to Rs 120 million, Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma yesterday said, “The board of Prasar Bharati has given a clearance for the DTT project, but it would need a policy okay at the government level.”  Why a government okay? At present, apart from DD no other player is allowed to broadcast terrestrially and DTT may see the entry of private players too in this domain. The broadcast regulator too has initiated a consultation paper in this regard. The mobile DTT project, as envisaged by DD, entails providing a number of digital channels on moving vehicles through a small dish with or without help from the private sector. “Ideally, we’d be happy to explore joint ventures, but we could do this on our own too,” Sarma explained. DD has initiated a pilot mobile DTT project in Chennai, which must have tickled Sun group’s interest in tapping the potential by providing even niche channels as part of this project. However, it should be mentioned here that DD had earlier commissioned DTT pilot projects in some of the metros that had failed to take off in a big way as the cost to be incurred by a customer would have equaled that of a subsidised DTH service. |
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Meanwhile, the Prasar Bharati board today also cleared a DD proposal to increase its TV channel offering to 50 from 33 on its DTH platform. The number of radio channels too is slated to go up. But Sarma clarified that no private sector pay channel would be on the DD Direct Plus platform, which may start charging carriage fee from TV channels on board. “The success of the DTH service may encourage us to seek carriage fee in the range of RS 9-10 million per channel per year,” the CEO said. |
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.
