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Southern Spice claims it has struck the right chord in Mumbai
MUMBAI: Seems like it pays to be multi-lingual.
Southern Spice music channel, which airs music in five different languages including Hindi, claims to have carved a niche for itself in Mumbai as well.
According to a company release, the 24-hour free to air music channel from Chennai that was launched in Mumbai three months ago has seen a spike in its TAM ratings already.
The company, launched through a tie-up with the Hinduja Group cable arm INCableNet and Rajan Raheja’s Hathway Cable & Datacom, says it is doing well among certain select audience segments that are considered important by the FMCG, home products and leading beverages marketers.
The innovative program profile and ‘desi’ packaging by the channel primarily targets the modern ‘native’ youth segment. According to the release, after inclusion of Hindi music in its programming line up, the channel has been accepted even in West and North India. With the channel being an affordable and cost-efficient option vis-?-vis other established channels, the larger MNC advertisers have of late started advertising their products on SS Music.
SS Music’s head programming and production Bryan Peppin says: “We are happy to see exponential growth albeit on a small basis. Our VJs have consistently attracted audiences from towns big and small, from metro cities and interiors, but been able to generate about 300 calls inward each day. Our new offices in Mumbai and New Delhi now regularly monitor the expansion of network reach in various areas of their respective territories, apart from building up sustained advertiser contact and relationship management. This has certainly begun to pay off in increased advertising revenues, not only from existing clients but newer marketers and media-buyers.”
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.
