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2nd most significant year in broadcast media history
The media space has always been explosive over the past years but this year, in my opinion, has been the second most significant year in the history of media (since the launch of cable TV in the early nineties).
DTH, though having being launched in 2005/06 really became “noisy” and aggressive this year.
CAS, though with more than just teething troubles, was finally implemented this year.
Lastly, one also saw launches or impending launches of channels in the general entertainment space and other important categories and therefore creating more networks other than the 3-4 networks that rule currently. Overall, with the launch of channels, change in the viewership habits and DTH & CAS taking off, the industry has been extremely dynamic.
Of course, the audience still continues to have limited time now that with a crazy set of choices. Moving forward, this will automatically mean that launching a platform or a channel will be the easiest part of the story. Competing well and sustaining the respective businesses will be the biggest challenge in the coming years. I, for one don’t believe that all new entrants are here for the long term so it will be interesting to see how this space pans out in the next five years and what consolidation of businesses take place.
With regards to HBO, the channel has been growing year on year and is more than a channel …it is a brand that epitomizes quality Hollywood entertainment. We will continue to offer the best in Hollywood entertainment. However, we too, will need to be mindful of the changing viewing “formats” if you like and the plethora of choices that viewers now have and that will form an important part of our game plan for the next few years.
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.
