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Asianet plots ‘innovation’ with new line up
MUMBAI: Malayalam regional language channel Asianet is in an aggressive pursuit of innovation with a number of new shows based on novel themes set to roll out in the coming weeks. A mythological serial and a music show, and some evening shows are scheduled, with a cross-targeting strategy in mind.
“The audience, especially the evening crowd, are fed up with clichéd programmes on TV and the new line-up is our sincere effort to apply innovation to the television programme content,” informs an Asianet spokesperson.
Asianet is bringing mythology to Malayalam with the serial Sri Maha Ganapathy. The Sunday show launches 6th June in the 10:30 -11:30 am time band. Additionally, the channel is scheduled to launch a weekend music show by the end of June (Saturday – Sunday nights).When queried about the sudden interest in mythology, the spokesperson revealed that the strategy was to seize the kids-elders audience segment on Sunday mornings.
“Sri Maha Ganapathy theme has tremendous potential for graphics and special effects that would obviously appeal the kids. At the same time, the elders will be interested in the mythological content,” he said.
Asianet plans to rouse the evening audience with shows College Day, Ladies Only, Sayahnam and College Campus. The channel has already started telecasting College Day, Ladies Only and Sayahnam while College Campus will be launched during the first half of June, according to the spokesperson.
College Campus attempts to present life on the campus with a touch of nostalgia. It will have the crew visiting colleges accompanied by a prominent alumnus, where, along with the students, he will display his artistic prowess. The programme is to be telecast every Monday at 5 pm.
College Day, which airs Fridays 5:30-6:00 pm, is devoted to variety entertainment presented by students. As the name suggests, Ladies Only is targeted at the women folk and is aired Monday – Thursday, 4:30 -5:00 pm. Sayahnam, which is also a Mon – Thursday programme airing 5:00 – 5:30 pm features human-interest stories, socially relevant topics, people, et al.
Another property in the evening band is Clever Ace, a quiz show in which both children and parents participate. It airs on Thursdays at 5:30 pm. And sticking with the kids entertainment theme is another evening show titled Fun Time.
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.
