News Headline
Zee channels to air telefilm ‘Mission Akshardham’
MUMBAI: Televising news and giving it a reality television twist in order to stand out seems to be the new mantra for news channels who are facing intense competition from “clones”.
Zee News will present a telefilm Mission Akshardham that narrates the conspiracy behind the premeditated dastardly attack, which took place on 24 September, on one of the largest temples in the country with the intent of destabilising India.
A press release states that the telefilm is an integral part of the channel’s contribution to the ongoing fight against terrorism by creating awareness amongst the people, thus empowering them.
The telefilm will be shown on Zee News (16 May at 8 pm and 10 pm; 17 May at 9 pm; 18 May at 9:30 pm); Zee TV (17 May at 10 pm); Alpha Bangla (16 May at 10:30 pm); Alpha Punjabi (16 May at 9 pm); Alpha Gujarati (16 May at 8 pm and 10 pm); Alpha Marathi (18 May at 10 am).
The release adds that the 40-minute telefilm Mission Akshardham is an effort to present the truth about how the ISI – the Pakistan intelligence agency – top brass conspired and misguided young minds into following the path of terrorism. This film is a real story of how these young people are driven and trained for such a merciless mission, adds the release.
Militants attacked the famous Akshardham temple at Gandhinagar in Gujarat killing innocent people and holding the country to a seige. Media reports indicated that the inhuman attack was a critical part of one of the biggest conspiracies hatched by the ISI to destabilise India.
The release says that the telefilm seeks to exposes the nexus between various terrorist groups and the ISI. It also portrays the entire modus operandi of these groups and how big plans for the attack against India are being planned and later executed.
The film has been shot in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat to recreate an original ambience, says the release. Zee News claims to have used the actual white ambassador car in the film, which was hired by the terrorists for this attack.
The release also adds that the cast of the film includes Bollywood and well-known theatre personalities like Sunil Sinha, (playing the role of chief operational commander of the attack Zaki ur rehman Lakhvi), Shyam Pathak ( who plays the role of deputy commander Abdul Rehman Daquil) amongst others. Actor Raza Murad will lend his voice to the film.
Zee News principal correspondent and the director of this film Naveen Kumar who was working on this investigative piece managed to uncover details like the money paid to the terrorists for this act; kind of training which was given to the terrorists; actual names and ranks of the ISI officers involved; how the automatic weapons were smuggled into Ahmedabad; where the weapons were hidden before the final day of the attack; the local network which colluded and from where they picked up essential supplies before heading towards the temple for the attack.
Kumar had earlier investigated and developed the concept for 13 December the tele film reconstructing the conspiracy behind the attack on the Parliament, which was also produced by Zee News.
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.
