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Kamath lauds Prasar Bharati, points to its wider role of informing & educating
NEW DELHI: The new chairperson of Prasar Bharati, noted right wing columnist MV Kamath, feels that unlike private satellite channels, Doordarshan and All India Radio cannot take lightly matters as they have to keep in mind the sensibilities of people and the nation, at large.
Praising Prasar Bharati to the skies, Kamath said: “We may underestimate it, but no show can be compared to DD and AIR. It’s a fantastic organization.”
Addressing journalists for the first time yesterday after taking over as the chairperson of Prasar Bharati, Kamath, a former editor of the now-defunct Illustrated Weekly of India,, amongst other publications, said that DD’s massive reach is its strength. “DD National , for example, is watched by 239 million that probably is more than the population of the US,” he said, reeling out more facts on the strengths of Prasar Bharati.
According to Kamath, if all the private TV channels’ viewership were put together, then also it would be “three-fourth of that of DD.” He added: “It’s easy to condemn Prasar Bharati as it is public sector undertaking and dependent on people like you.”
Pointing out that Prasar Bharati’s primary role is to inform, educate and entertain (in that order) people, Kamath said, “We would not want to do a Baywatch where pretty girls are shown in bikinis. Somebody else can do it.”
However, Kamath admitted that Prasar Bharati cannot be called fully autonomous till the time it continues to get financial help from the government. But this “great organization” should not lose sight of its primary role of informing people in its zeal to earn revenue, he added.
Still, he also admitted that Prasar Bharati has some limitations that don’t bind the rest of the media, especially journalists. Citing the example of questioning done by journalists from private media houses and those from DD or AIR, Kamath said, “Those from DD and AIR, for example, cannot be as forthright as you all can be with ministers or politicians. Because we have to be proper.”
At this point Kamath took a pot shot at private satellite channels saying most of them do not follow some basic ethics of journalism.
“I felt very sad when during the Gujarat riots some private channels showed bodies,” Kamath said, adding that during his time, journalists were not even allowed to mention the area of killings during sensitive situations. “We have to be sensitive to the sensibilities of people and the nation at large,” he added, pointing out that post 9/11, 2001 no TV channel in the US showed bodies or such ghastly images.
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.
