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Udaya refutes Karnataka cable ops’ black out claims
BANGALORE: The Sun Network, Karnataka’s leading private broadcaster by a long way, has dismissed as of little consequence the threats issued by a section of cable operators in the southern state to block its channels for having gone pay.
Sun Network’s market leader Udaya TV, along with Udaya News and Ushe, became dearer by Rs 18 as of 1 August. Udaya TV became encrypted from 1 August, while the other two channels were already running as encrypted feeds.
Udaya , vice-president, Vijay Kumar asserts that the “ban” has been supported only by a few small cable operators and that it was only in a few “trouble spots” such as Hassan, Chickmagalur, and Shimoga that there was any problem. Vijay Kumar says that even at Hassan the signal was being broadcast as of 2 am today.
Dismissing the claims that Udaya TV was facing a major blackout of its channels, Vijay Kumar says, “Our signal is being received by 85 per cent of the state.” Kumar further states, “As a matter of fact we have a number of people approaching us for decoder boxes, and we’ve had to refuse some operators because we don’t agree with their figures pertaining to the number of connections declared by them.”
Putting the issue in perspective, Vijay Kumar further goes on to say that these are problems faced by any channel that goes from free to air to pay mode.
A section of the cable TV operators across the state however, counter-claim that 85 per cent of Karnataka (excluding Bangalore) have been blacked out.
Piqued at the what he terms Sun TV’s divisive policies a director of an MSO says, “These divide and rule policies are not fair at all, and, neither is it fair to the Kannada speaking people. How can they convert a local language channel into a pay channel? They are not headquartered in our state to understand the emotions of people of Karnataka on this issue. Also, if we allow one local language channel to be converted to a pay channel, other broadcasters may follow suit. As it is, the subscriber is burdened with high rates, how much more can we charge him?”
According to the Karnataka State Cable Operators Association spokesperson Ponnacha, the a letter will be handed over to Vijay Kumar in Bangalore today.
The cable operators associations from all districts are planning a State level meet in Bangalore shortly on this issue, probably on Monday, 9 August, according to cable industry sources.
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.
