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TDSAT permits Harvest TV to be renamed Tiranga TV
MUMBAI: Veecon Media and Broadcasting Pvt Ltd has been granted interim relief by Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) permitting it to use the name ‘Tiranga TV’ for its news and current affairs channel that is currently called ‘Harvest TV’
Confirming the news, Veecon Media and Broadcasting chairman Deepak Choudhry told Indiantelevision.com, “Such relief from TDSAT could not have come at more appropriate time, when M/s Harvest Television Network Pvt Ltd, who claims to own the trade mark for ‘Harvest TV’, has filed suit against Veecon before the District Court at Thiruvananthapuram for restraining Veecon from using the name and logo, which has any resemblance with the name ‘Harvest TV’. Veecon had permission from the I&B Ministry to use the name and logo ‘Harvest TV’ and had been pursuing its case with the I&B Ministry for the change of name since September 2017. Finally, today it has succeeded is getting a change of name to ‘Tiranga TV’.”
However, the Kapil Sibal-backed channel will not be using the three colours of the national flag in its logo, pertaining to the fact that it might be against the relevant provisions of 1950 Act and Flag Code, 2002. TDSAT said in its order, “Without expressing any final opinion on the issue noticed above, we are of the considered view that the name Tiranga itself is not covered by the Schedule of 1950 Act nor is subject matter of Flag Code. However, this may not strictly apply to the use of the three colors which is there in the emblem of Tiranga TV.”
It added, “We are also aware that petitioner (Veecon Media and Broadcasting Pvt Ltd) itself had opted for some other name in the interregnum but during submissions, it has been highlighted that change of name may adversely affect the reputation, goodwill and business of the petitioner, and hence Mr Sibal has submitted that the petitioner voluntarily undertakes not to use the colors on the name and logo but simply use the words “Tiranga TV”, as submitted in its application. In other words, he has offered that petitioner will not use the colors saffron and green in the name and logo of Tiranga TV until the issue is finally decided as per the orders of this Tribunal or otherwise in accordance with law.”
On a relevant note, Kerala-based Christian devotional channel Harvest TV, owned by Bibi George Chacko, had earlier accused Veecon of ‘riding on the goodwill and reputation of Harvest TV’ by using its name and logo, the permission for which was granted for only two years that, which expired on 31 January 2018. Responding to the claim Veecon asserted that Chacko can get the issue decided only through an appropriate court or authority. TDSAT had given Veecon the permission to use the name Harvest TV for its channel till further orders.
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.
