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39 institutions apply for licences for community radio project
NEW DELHI: Though the much-touted community radio project till now is a non-starter, the government today said that 39 institutions, including universities, have applied for licences.
Out of the applications received, those from Jammu University, Kashmir University in Srinagar, New Light in Keonjhar and Buldana Urban Charitable Society of Buldana have not been found eligible for grant of licence as per the laid down guidelines, information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told Rajya Sabha (Upper House) today.
The minister also ruled out any review of the policy despite limited response to the community radio scheme, which former I&B minister Sushma Swaraj had said would “revolutionise” radio broadcast in the country.
A big impediment is the cumbersome process, over laden with clearance from over 30 government agencies. This has been a deterring factor.
The largest number of application for licences for community radio service (six), has been received from the states of Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. In U.P. two branches of City Montessori School in Lucknow have also sought permission to start a radio service.
The least number of applications (one), have been received from Gujarat (Sardar Patel University), Punjab, Orissa and Nagaland. New Light of Orissa’s application has been found ineligible, anyway.
Though any community radio service was yet get off the ground, India’s pubcaster Doordarshan has given some limited time to non-governmental organisations on a low powered transmitter for community radio service in Delhi.
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.
