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Apathetic turnout marks TRAI’s FM radio forum in Mumbai
MUMBAI: FM players in Mumbai failed to make a strong united presentation on the issues confronting the sector at the open forum organised by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) in Mumbai on Saturday. Entertainment Network India Limited (which runs Radio Mirchi) and MBPL (which runs Radio City) had representatives who spoke about issues relevant to the sector, while the rest were not heard at all at the sparsely attended forum.
The MBPL promoted Radio City has secured partial reprieve in the matter of payment of license fees for the third year of its broadcast. On 13 May, it secured an interim order from the High Court, which requires Radio City to pay up one third of the amount payable by it within one month, and has also managed to get a stay on the encashment of its bank guarantee. This, along with Go 92.5’s interim relief asking it to pay up half the amount of its dues for the two month period till June end, has provided the industry with a much needed breather.
Trai advisor Rakesh Kacker later acknowledged the low turnout, but said it was probably because the players had attended the meeting in Delhi and Chennai, where similar sessions were held earlier this week. Win 94.6 which went off air two weeks ago, too did not make its pitch at the open forum. The Trai had recommended deferment of license fees for all FM players, a recommendation that was kept in limbo by the outgoing government.
The hour long session dwelt on issues which would be relevant when the second phase of FM radio licensing is opened up in the country. Among the issues tackled were the licensing fee structure, ownership issues (whether multiple licenses can be issued to players), technical issues like co-location of transmitters and whether players be allowed to migrate from phase I to II.
The discussion, triggered mainly by entrepreneur Vickram Crishna, revolved on whether competition in the FM sector should be restricted to large players or if the market should be opened up to smaller players also, whether separate licenses be allowed for building radio stations as well as for operating channels and on the issue of frequency mapping, which has not been undertaken yet by the government.
The Trai has in its consultation paper on FM radio related licensing issues released in April approved of a revenue sharing model as well as allowing news and current affairs on private FM stations in the country. While the outgoing NDA government failed to take a definite stance on the Trai’s recommendations due to the elections, the new government will have to take a call on the long pending demands of the radio sector and give it the fillip it desperately needs.
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.
