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Alpha Punjabi claims 90% channel share for live show telecast
MUMBAI: The Zee Network’s Alpha Punjabi regional language channel has claimed a major milestone during the live telecast of its musical event Shava Shava held on 9 May at Panchkula near the Punjab state capital Chandigarh.
Alpha Punjabi, quoting TAM Peoplemeter data, says it achieved its highest rating ever when it got over 90 per cent channel share in the Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh combined market (15+ABC, C&S Homes 15MIN+) among all Punjabi channels during the Shava Shava telecast.
Shava Shava was Alpha Punjabi’s first event that was broadcast live. Top stars like Harbhajan Mann and Sarabjit Cheema performed along with upcoming star Harshdeep in front of crowd of more than 10,000 people. Harbhajan Mann was flown in from London to perform in the show. The show was broadcast live not only in India but also in 112 different countries of the world, a company release says.
Rabindra Narayan, business head, Alpha Punjabi, was quoted as saying, “We have demonstrated once again that when it comes to live musical events there is no other channel that can compare with Zee in terms of our capabilities and expertise in organising these events.” Adds Rajiee M Shinde, V-P (programming), “Punjab is a huge market for music and Alpha TV Punjabi along with ETC Channel Punjabi provides the biggest platform for Punjabi music. Our musical shows are not only the biggest in terms of attendance but also the most watched not just in India but all over the world.”
Following on the success of Shava Shava, the channel has plans for several more events, promotions, contests, movies and new shows. Lined up is another live mega event in June. Also planned are an anchor hunt, a comedy contest, a Punjabi version of Sa Re Ga Ma, Inter college competitions, Punjabi telefilms, amongst other initiatives.
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.
