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ETC Networks to celebrate anniversaries of its channels
MUMBAI: ETC Networks, in which Zee Telefilms has a 51 per cent stake, will celebrate the anniversaries of its Punjabi channel (3 June) and music-cum-entertainment channel (26 August) at a bash being held tonight (11 July) in Mumbai’s Cirkus Cirkus banquet halls at the Lotus Suites. The theme for the evening is ‘khaana, peena, mauj, masti, jhatka, matka aur phool timepass’ (Eat, drink, be merry, dance, enjoy yourself). Several celebrities, TV industry and ad agency personnel are expected to attend the party.
A press release says that the network will be celebrating its fourth milestone within a short period of four years. It says that “ETC Networks is a success story of delivery and accomplishments.”
These milestones include the inception of the first etc channel; the company getting listed at Bombay Stock Exchange; the birth of the “numero uno” regional channel ETC Channel Punjabi; the channels providing a gateway to Bollywood; changing Bollywood and Indi Pop into a trend.
The release also states that the music cum entertainment channel etc has constantly innovated to attract viewers – etc is a music based entertainment channel with music dominating more than 95 per cent of the programming content. The release points out the following:
* etc is “Bollywood Ka No 1 Apna entertainment channel” as it showcases news, views and musical notes from entertainment industry. The channel still has a Indian heart and soul – (Aakhir Dil hai Hindustani)
* etc has managed to combine interactivity with a unique programming mix comprising of film shows, song compilations and religious programmes. The shows are either anchor-based programs or autobiographical presentations, which give stylised presentation of film and pop songs.
* The channel has managed to improvise and innovate its film-based programming mix through interactive travelogue shows – Meri Jaan Hindustan ; musical spoofs – Pandey Pillai-2 ; shows dedicated to the stalwarts of Indian cinema – Baaps Of Bollywood; celebrity shows It’s My Pasand, Chit Chaat ; and topical shows on the Indian film industry – On Air; compilation shows such as Geet Gaata Chal, Mix Masala, Pop Unlimited, Pop Out, Pop Naka, Made In India Hit List, Maal Gaadi, Sun N Dance and Mega Dance Mix.
* The channel also has a record-breaking show on astrology – Kahani Kismat Ki – anchored by Arya Guru Bhagwan Das Ji. This is the only show on astrology to have completed more than three very successful years on one channel.
* The channel has fared well as evident by the monthly average data pertaining to various music channels for the three consecutive months. According to TAM’s channel share analysis for the month of May 2003 (15 + minutes and 4+ age) etc has largest channel share of 29 per cent with MTV at 26 per cent; Zee Music at 9 per cent; B4U Music at 13 per cent; CMM at 8 per cent; and Channel [V] at 15 per cent. The channel etc also claims to have “the highest reach of 14 in Hindi speaking markets and nine in the all homes markets.”
The release also says that “ETC Channel Punjabi is undoubtedly the market leader in its own regional segment”. The channel’s positioning revolves around “Dil Apna Punjabi”.
TAM data (30 March to 26 April for time period of 15 minutes plus) indicates that the channel’s share average is higher than competitors – ETC Channel Punjabi has the top place with 67 per cent channel share; Alpha Punjabi has 9 per cent channel share; Balle Balle has 15 per cent; DD Punjabi has 5 per cent; Lashkara has 4 per cent.
etc is beamed from Thaicom 3 and is a free to air digital channel. The release says that etc is watched by more then 30 million households.
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.
