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And now, a Net contest from ‘Shubh Mangal Savadhan’
MUMBAI: First, they came up with the idea of a website dedicated to a television serial. And now, a contest has been launched around Shubh Mangal Savadhan, notching up another first in the quirky world of Indian television.
The contest requires participants to answer two questions based on the characters of the show, which is currently being aired on Sahara TV.
“We have launched the contest to make the website more interactive. We want to increase interaction with the youth”, says SMS producer Hemal A Thakkar. “Moreover, the serial which has aired 34 of the 200 episodes scheduled, is very different from the other sitcoms, so we thought of tapping different options to make it more interactive.The winners will be given attractive prizes like DVD players and washing machines,” he adds.
” We have received about 1200 messages and 500 hits for the contest so far”, says Pegasus Multitech Pvt Ltd chief executive officer, Pramod Pai. ” Till now 50 per cent of the messages were from the middle East and Pakistan, but now with the launch of the contest, messages have started pouring in from the Indian subcontinent as well. Just today we recorded 200 messages,”he adds
“Launching a website on a serial is very different from that on films. Movie based websites are actor based whereas sites on serials are more character centric. Unlike a filmi website, we cannot divulge the story of the serial, neither can we give a flashback as it would not interest the user, so the only option is to add games based on the characters of the serials or contests on similar lines”, says Pai commenting on the problems faced in maintaining a serial based website.
The website conceived , crafted and cared for by Pegasus Multitech Pvt Ltd ,claims to be the first to be launched simultaneously with the serial. It has been created wholly in flash and is quick to access. It provides information on the serial, insights into the cast, the usual freebie downloads and a specially created video game which can be played online.
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.
