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DD Vijayawada Kendra gets Rs 1.06 cr for modernisation: I&B minister
MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting has approved Rs 1.06 crore for the modernisation of Doordarshan Kendra at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.
I&B minister Prakash Javadekar said, “Modernisation of All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) is a continuous process and action for the same is taken from time to time, including projects for setting up of FM transmitters/stations at existing and new locations, replacement and modernisation of transmitters, digitisation of regional news units, adoption of modern high definition (HD) technology, digitisation of studios, digital content dissemination, expansion of DTH and high definition TV etc.”
Responding to another question on the amount spent by the government during the last five years to promote government schemes on social media and applications in Rajya Sabha, Javedkar said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with its media units – Press Information Bureau, Doordarshan and All India Radio etc, promote the central government programmes and policies through various instruments, including social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc out of the overall funds allocated to such media units.
“Further, the various ministries/departments of the central government also promote government programmes and policies on social media. The amount spent on such promotion by various ministries/departments is not centrally maintained,” he informed.
Responding to request for details of leakages of private information of citizens on government hosted platforms, applications and websites, he said, “Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has informed that the information required by users to log into government Schemes related apps vary from one application to another. For protection of data, Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 has been introduced in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019.”
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.
