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South Indian producers end stir against DD; but firm on demands
MUMBAI: Independent producers associated to Doordarshan (DD) kendras in Bangalore, Tiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad and Chennai have finally ended their stir – but only after the pubcaster assured to look into their charter of demands, “at the earliest”.
The producers began airing their shows on DD from 1 October.
South Indian DD Producers’ Association spokesperson Shivanandan told indiantelevision.com, “Presently, we have resumed our shows on DD. But that doesn’t mean, we have given up on our demands. We are still pursuing the issue with top Prasar Bharati members.”
The producers’ association has a string of meetings lined up with Prasar Bharati officials throughout this week. They are scheduled to meet the pubcaster’s chairman MV Kamath tomorrow, and its financial controller Sunderasan on 11 October, Shivanandan confirmed.
The stir was called on 12 September by Banglore producers, who have bought airtime and are involved in marketing programmes on DD Bangalore. Later in the month, their counterparts in Thiruvanthapuram, Hyderabad and Chennai had joined the strike.
“Prasar Bharati has asked for ’60-days time’ to respond to our issues, but we have insisted that they resolve it within 15 days,” Shivanandan said. Determined to leave no stone unturned, the association also met with Prasar Bharati marketing director Vijaya Chabbria and deputy directorate general N G Shrinivasan last week, Shivanandan revealed.
DD Bangalore director Venkatesh Sherval confirmed that the producers’ strike had been called off. However, when asked if the producers’ demands would be settled amicably he said, “We have our own procedures. Presently, we have forwarded the charter of demands to our directorate. We will have to wait and see what happens next.” Sherval expects the issue to be sorted in “a month or two”.
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South Indian producers intensify stir against DD
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.
