News Headline
Dangal launches fiction show ‘Jyoti’
MUMBAI: Hindi general entertainment channel, Dangal launches Jyoti a women-centric show which focusses on the daily struggles faced by Indian women. The series revolves around the story of Jyoti portrayed by Sneha Wagh as she narrates her sacrifices, dreams and ambitions while being the only earning member in her family. Additionally, Sriti Jha, Srinidhi Shetty, Sameer Sharma and Varun Khandelwal also play pivotal roles. Jyoti highlights the many issues and social evils that Indian women in middle class homes are faced with. Currently on-air, viewers can watch Jyoti on Dangal daily at 9 pm with its repeat telecast followed at 10 am the next day.
Jyoti Hindi GEC program Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo (as per BARC India’s data for Week 21). A socially relevant show, Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo also focused on the hardships faced by Bharti due to her short height. The show was widely accepted by viewers and consistently ranked as one of the top Hindi general entertainment programs across India even during the lockdown.
Wagh said, “I come from a middle-class family myself and identified with the character of Jyoti due to a lot of commonalities like taking up responsibilities of her home. Jyoti who is the elder daughter is ambitious, responsible, grounded and very relatable by both women and men. This show is very close to me as it helps me look back at both my fight and how I have grown through the years. I am glad that Dangal will now make sure the voice of Jyoti reaches the roots of India, and to every household. I hope it helps everyone to keep going, as it does to me.”
On launching Jyoti for its viewers, a Dangal spokesperson said, “In difficult times like these, we have existing problems knocking our door with every step, that we take forward. With such ambiguity around the world, we believe that it is our responsibility to give our viewers the hope and the zeal to keep going and what better way than a show like Jyoti to do the same. The show is rooted in the social system and is extremely relatable to families across our country. We hope that show will help connect with viewers, empower women and create a mark just like Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo did.”
Dangal TV, in the world of entertainment, is a brand synonymous with constantly delivering diverse stories. The channel is a pioneer in presenting shows, across genres.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.






