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ABP Majha to launch special documentary show amid R-Day celebration
MUMBAI: Amid the 71st Republic Day celebration, the regional Marathi news channel– ABP Majha — is all set to launch a new show, ‘Aaple Bharat Ratna’. Scheduled to release on 26 January, the weekly show will be on-air till 22 March on each Sunday at 9 pm and repeat telecast every Saturday at 6 pm.
According to a press release, the objective of the show is to honour the Maharashtrians, who have been recognised by the highest civilian award of India such as Maharshi Karve, PV Kane, Vinoba Bhave, Lata Mangeshkar, Sanchin Tendulkar, Nanaji Deshmukh, Dr. BR Ambedkar, JRD Tata, and Bhimsen Joshi.
ABP Majha will show the documentary detailing the life & works of all those Maharashtrians, who have made extraordinary contributions to various fields of human endeavour in the form of 9 episodes.
The Aaple Bharat Ratna series will be hosted by a renowned anchor, Atul Gogavale, a celebrated music director of the Ajay-Atul fame. Ajay and Atul are the music alias of Indian music director-composer duo brothers. they have won the Best Music Direction award at the 56th National Film Awards from the Government for contributing music to the Marathi film Jogwa in 2008.
ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey said, “Through this show, we want to make Republic Day even more memorable for the viewers. Many illustrious Maharashtrians in different walks of life have left an indelible mark on the nation, and our endeavour is to celebrate their legacy.”
He added, “We are honoured to take the viewers through an immersive journey of these real-life superheroes and inspire them through their stories. Over the years, ABP Majha has established a special connect with the Marathi audience through dedicated, local content. ‘Aaple Bharat Ratna’ is another such attempt to bind with our viewers.”
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.
