News Headline
The TRP story getting murkier
It now appears that efforts are on to discredit the ratings system further.
Industry sources say that recently two individuals claiming to be the representatives of Star India contacted a few households that are a part of the TAM Media peoplemeter sample in Lower Parel in central Mumbai.
The sources say that the two offered money to the households to watch Star shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki. The incident took place last week, the sources say. According to them, two of the households which were approached accepted the money. Indian Television has learnt that Rs 500 was what was offered.
The same team reportedly went to TAM peoplemeter homes in the western Mumbai suburbs of Dahisar and Bandra.
Apparently TAM officials are aware of the sample being contacted and have questioned them. Though no official was available for comment, TAM is reportedly investigating the incident.
Star India also refused comments on the issue.
The news is expected to either break on a television channel, a website or be presented to industry in the next two days.
The credibility of the TRP system issue has again come under the spotlight with business daily “Economic Times” reporting today that Zee Telefilms broadcasting CEO Sandeep Goyal has written a letter to ORG-MARG CEO Titoo Ahluwalia saying the publication of TAM/Intam ratings must be suspended immediately as Zee has reasons to believe the data by TAM/Intam is “seriously influenced”.
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.
