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Prasad escapes Parliament grilling on Star News
NEW DELHI: India’s defence ministry came to the defence of another government outfit, the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry – in a manner of speaking.
As the Parliament’s Lower House (Lok Sabha) was adjourned for an hour in the forenoon over a controversial parliamentary committee report on defence issues, washing away the question hour for the day, I&B minister Ravi Shankar Prasad must have heaved a sigh of relief.
The Opposition had planned to target the government during the Question Hour on another contentious issue of Rupert Murdoch’s Star allegedly flouting various regulations related to the media.
Pandemonium prevailed in the Lok Sabha as the Opposition and the treasury bench members raised slogans and counter-slogans over the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) issue, leading to the adjournment of the House till 12 noon.
Had the Question Hour gone on schedule, Prasad would have had to face a barrage of questions from Opposition parliamentarians on the contentious Star and the conditional access (CAS) issues. Since the first question listed for the day on Star News was a starred one, Prasad would have had to give a verbal reply that could have made the whole thing tricky.
Though Prasad had very ably defended the government’s stand on Star News, it’s alleged flouting of guidelines and implementation of CAS earlier in Rajya Sabha on 6 August, a direct assault on the government on Star in Lok Sabha could have evoked fireworks. More so, as a section of the media today reported — officially denied by parties concerned — that Star is tying up with Congress Party’s KK Birla-owned Hindustan Times Ltd. for Star News and also forays into the print medium.
Meanwhile, as soon as the House assembled at 11 am, speaker Manohar Joshi allowed Congress chief whip Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi to speak on a notice seeking suspension of question hour as the dignity of the Lok Sabha had been lowered by a statement made in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) yesterday commenting upon the functioning of the PAC.
“Only the Lok Sabha or its speaker had any right to comment upon the functioning of the PAC, whose chairman was appointed by the speaker,” Dasmunshi said. Further, the PAC had initially had members only from the Lower House and later on members from the Rajya Sabha were included only as associate members.
As such, the PAC has remained and continued to be ”within the domain” of the Lok Sabha, he argued and demanded suspension of question hour to discuss the issue. The speaker was of the opinion that Dasmunshi had raised a pertinent point, but would not suspend question hour to discuss the issue, which could be raised during zero hour or some other occasion.
Prasad may have got away lightly today, but the Opposition can still raise the issues related to his ministry.
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.
