News Headline
PTC announces new season of ‘Voice of Punjab Chhota Champ’
Mumbai: The Pandemic has turned out to be a boon for young kids of Punjab who want to turn into singing superstars, thanks to PTC Punjabi. The channel’s reality show “The Voice of Punjab Chhota Champ” is back with the seventh season, which provided them the facility of auditioning online from the comforts of their home. The seventh season of the biggest reality show for young and talented Punjabi singers is set to premiere on the Punjabi entertainment channel, PTC Punjabi, from 23 August at 8.30 p.m.
The new season of “Voice of Punjab Chhota Champ” is aimed to identify the best Punjabi singing talent in the age range of eight – fourteen years and promise to change the fate of little talented voices. Afsana Khan, Sachin Ahuja and Bir Singh are the main judges who are joined by a galaxy of Punjabi superstars including Miss Pooja, Mannat Noor, Jasbir Jassi, Master Salim, Kanwar Grewal, Singga, R Nait, Akhil, Khan Saab, Masha Ali, Kulwinder Billa, Happy Raikoti, Rupinder Handa, Gurshabad to select the best young singing star of Punjab.
The ‘audition from home’ comfort makes this season more interesting and unique as it provides the opportunity for masses to participate from their home without going anywhere outside. One enter on mobile opened the doors for the budding stars to progress in their careers and claim the coveted title and earn name and fame. With the new concept, interesting segments and cutomised theme rounds are going to make this competition little tough for the little voices and interesting to watch for viewers, said the channel.
“When these kids step in for auditions and first rounds they don’t know where to go, which door to open and which way to reach the studio. After the grand finale, people will be opening doors for them. Their lives will change forever and that is greatly satisfying to us,” said PTC Network, MD and president, Rabindra Narayan.
The online registration of the show was opened in June 2021. And to make it easier and convenient for the participants, the channel made sure that the audition process is not hampered. The participants were asked to shoot a one-minute singing video and send it through WhatsApp, website or PTC play app. The growth of the contestants through the competition will be dependent on their performance during different rounds and the marks from the judges for their performances.
Promoted by G Next Media Private Ltd, the PTC Network is the world’s top Punjabi TV Network. The network, Established as a media and entertainment company in 2008, has successfully expanded its base to UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe & UAE over the last decade. The PTC Network having seven channels under its umbrella namely, PTC Punjabi, PTC News, PTC Chakde, PTC Simran, PTC Punjabi Gold, PTC Music, PTC Dhol TV, is touching lives of millions of viewers across the globe every day. PTC has put its primary focus on the troika of Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat.
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.
