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Big players in fray for live cricket coverage on DD
DD has sought bids from Indian and foreign production houses for live television production of these cricket matches to be conducted under the aegis of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Eligibility criteria for the prospective bidders include, at least three years’ experience in production of live television signals of world-class standard for one-day international cricket and test matches and experience of producing programming, including sports programming (preferable cricket events) for at least three major international sports, according to the tender documents.
The successful bidder will have to provide a minimum of 17-camera coverage and provide a computer scoring system.
Industry experts said that these conditions ensure that only the likes of WorldTel, BBC’s Channel 4 and Kerry Packer’s Channel 9, in addition to TWI, remain in the fray for the TV production rights.
The last date for submission of bids (pre-qualification and financial) is November 11, 2001. The pre-qualification bids shall be opened on the same day and qualified bidders will be announced.
Bids have also been invited from producers for programmes to be telecast on the new edutainment channel from the DD stable-DD Bharati-scheduled for launch on January 26, 2002.
The channel will air four hours of health programming, six hours of children’s programming and four hours of music, dance and fine arts related programming. Bids, along with pilot episodes, are to be submitted by November 9, 2001.
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.
