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Trai chief Pradip Baijal’s letter to I&B secretary Pawan Chopra
MUMBAI: Given below is the full text of the letter issued by Telecom Regulatory Authority (Trai) chairman Pradip Baijal to information and broadcasting ministry secretary Pawan Chopra today:
Pradip Baijal
Chairman
DO No: 1-7/2004-B&CS Dated 23/2/2004
Dear Shri Chopra,
After the Government appointed TRAI as the Regulator for the Broadcasting and Cable sector, vide a notification dated 9th January, 2003, the Authority has taken a number of steps to assess the difficulties faced by the consumers, the effects of the implementation of CAS and the problems that arise, including implementation problems and feasibility of conducting legally required activity in this regard. In mid-January, the Authority began a consultation process, obtained comments on relevant matters within that context in writing as well as through its meetings with various stakeholders, examined the views of the four Governments that have to implement CAS, and considered the regulatory practices in other countries. The TRAI has obtained substantial information and views, and is in a position to take the process forward with a more detailed Consultation Paper.
2. The Authority’s assessment of the various above-mentioned inputs is that immediate remedial measures need to be taken to properly address the issue of CAS and therefore decide to recommend that the Notification No. SO 792 (E) dated 10th July, 2003 be denotified or kept in abeyance for at least three months and necessary action be taken keeping in view the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi dated 26.12.2003 in CW 89934/2003.
3. I am forwarding with this letter the interim recommendations of the TRAI on the subject. A Press Note issued in this regard is also enclosed.
4. The recommendations along with the text of this letter have been placed today on the TRAI website (www.trai.gov.in) for public information.
Yours sincerely,
Pradip Baijal
Shri Pawan Chopra
Secretary
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Shastri Bhavan
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.
