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DD invites ad agencies to overhaul its image
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati has decided against having another consultant on board for sprucing up Doordarshan’s image and brand positioning. Instead, pubcaster DD will invite bids from advertising agencies for the same.
As reported by indiantelevision.com last week, at one time DD was contemplating hiring a top notch advertising professional to work on DD’s image building. And topping the list of candidates was O&M’s India head Piyush Pandey.
Doordarshan sources said that as the pubcaster already has several outside consultants, including ad guru Alyque Padamsee, it was decided not to add another name to the list.
As and when the bids are invited from ad agencies for sprucing up DD’s image, weightage will not be given to the lowest quotation, but to the creative aspect of the whole exercise.
The successful ad agency is also likely to be given the responsibility for doing the creatives of DD as also work on the DD brand and its image overhaul.
In recent times, DD has made serious efforts to keep pace with the fast changing market situation where private satellite channels have been winning the game over it in occupying mind space, inspite of the fact that satellite channels’ reach is less than 50 per cent that of DD’s.
As part of several initiatives in this direction, DD has gone in for bringing about more flexibility in its commercial policy, including monthly reviews.
In the past, it has been seen that inflexibility on the part of DD, mainly where its rate cards for advertisements are concerned, has led to loss in revenue. The same has gone the way of private satellite channels where such commercial decision makings are flexible, keeping in mind the client and the situation.
As per the present arrangement, the Prasar Bharati board approves the rate card and commercial policy of Doordarshan that can lead to delays, it has been pointed out.
From now onwards, an empowered committee will review the rate card and guidelines regarding commercial policy of Doordarshan as also that of All India Radio. The empowered committee comprises Prasar Bharati chief executive K S Sarma, member (finance) S Sundresan and director-general of Doordarshan S Y Quraishi.
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.
