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Aaj Tak enters Limca Book for maximum SMS responses in two years
MUMBAI: Hindi news channel leader Aaj Tak has one more reason to celebrate. The latest is that the news channel has found a place for itself in the Limca Book of Records for the most number of viewer interactions in the form of short message service (SMS) responses in the last two years.
According to an official communiqué to Aaj Tak from the Limca Book of Records, “The largest number of SMSs received by a television channel as responses to contests, polls, etc.over a period of two years from 1 May 2002 – 25 May 2004 has been recorded in the chapter on Communications.”
During the period Aaj Tak generated more than 10 million responses spread across polls, contests and viewers comments.
Aaj Tak’s 2424 SMS platform has been employed by the channel for the purpose of real time and regular viewer feedback across all major occasions, events issues of national interest. This interactivity campaign is part of a well-ingrained strategy for the positioning and promotion of the channel which was initiated by Aaj Tak.
The SMS responses that Aaj Tak got have also been helpful in providing vital information on the demographics of its viewership and the popularity of various programs.
Aaj Tak’s marketing manager Rajesh Sheshadri was quoted in a company release as saying, “The 2424 SMS campaign is our way of continually being connected with the audience and providing the viewers an opportunity to voice their views. We have tried to bridge the newsmaker–news-seeker gap heralding an entirely new form of communication, and the phenomenal viewers’ appreciation has resulted in this record.”
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.
