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Cinevista, Adhikari have nothing to crow about in dealings with DD
Private broadcasters just don’t seem to have anything going for them on the Doordarshan front. Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network (SAB) and Cinevista Communications, both major suppliers of software for DD1, have blamed lack of demand from advertisers for the poor results the companies registered in the financial year ended 31 March 2001.
While SAB managed to stave off losses (net profit Rs 103.7 million down 40.51 per cent from last year’s RS 174.3 million), Cinevista communications has posted a net loss of RS 119.9 million.
SAB’s total income stood at RS 927.9 million as against RS 400.1 million in the financial year 2000. A statement put out by SAB says: “During the year under review, the policy of Doordarshan related to additional spot buys on various programmes has put heavy financial burden on the company. The company from time to time, has put forth its case with Doordarshan for rationalisation of commercial terms and for withdrawal of additional spot buys.”
As the matter could not be resolved till 31 March 2001, the company has decided as prudent accounting practice to charge the same to the P&L account, which has resulted in reduction of profitability.”
Cinevista Communications fared far worse, with a net loss of RS 119.9 million in only the first year of its listing on the bourses. Last year, it recorded a net profit of RS 90 million.
Cinevista’s net sales stood at RS 396.7 million while the cost of production and telecast stood at RS 394.1 million.
It blamed the results as being due to the erosion of viewership of Doordarshan. Continuing downturn in demand for air time on DD amongst advertisers has led to erosion in selling volumes and selling rates, it said. As a consequence over 18,000 seconds of air time remains unsold on the various programmes that were telecast on DD.
Cinevista also wrote off all the expenses related to the weekly game show Knock-Out, which was scheduled to be telecast on DD-1 from 28 January 28. The show never went on air and Cinevista has hauled DD to court over this matter. A writ petition for the same is pending in the high court in New Delhi.
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.
