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DD Sports tops the ratings race
MUMBAI: The ratings roost was supposedly ruled by soaps and comedies – most of them from the Star Network, and Doordarshan (DD) was hardly the one to find a place on that perch. But now, it is DD’s turn to have the cake and eat it too.
The numbers say it all. TAM television ratings (TVR), for the week spanning 16 November to 22 November 2003 based on a survey of all India cable and satellite households, spell good news for DD, particularly DD Sports.
It is the Australia vs India Final match on 18 November during the L&T TVS Cup Tri-series that has helped DD Sports high jump from its non-starter ratings to the top slot, notching a TVR of 12.8 on the way.
In fact, in a week that’s usually too dominated by Star Plus soaps, DD Sports figures not only at the top of the ratings chart, but also marks the chart at the eighth position with a TVR of 8.6 and makes reappearances at intervals to mark its presence on 26th, 27th, 40th, 41st, 69th positions.
The next to make a mark close enough on the same day was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which managed to get a TVR rating of 10.1 even on a day dominated by an India-Australia Final. The soap claimed the second highest TVR of the week on 19 November 2003. Following close on the heels of Kyunki is another Star Plus soap Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kiiat number four with a TVR of 10.0 on 19 November and Kasautii Zindagii Kay at the sixth position with a TVR of 9.5 on the same day.
Sanjivani, yet another soap on Star Plus, riding on a TVR of 8.5, figures at number nine, while Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand finds a mention at number 14.
If the numbers are to be believed, the ratings seesaw is leaning heavily in Star’s favour followed by DD with Sony Entertainment marking the next largest territory on the ratings scene. However, Sony’s Jassi makes an appearance only at the 43rd position with a TVR of 3.9 on 20 November followed by reappearances at the 57th and 59th positions.
However, the cake and the cream were taken by DD Sports, which topped the charts thanks to the India Australia Final.
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.
