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Baijal stresses importance of regulator in facilitating growth
MUMBAI: Even though Reliance is yet to publicly announce details of its Netway broadband project, the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India (Trai) chairman Pradip Baijal appears to be gung ho about its potential.
In a special address to the plenary session on Day 2 of Ficci Frames 2004, Baijal struck a bullish note on the future of broadband and convergence saying the 50 million cable TV homes would be the route through which broadband penetration would be facilitated.
But that is the future (even if a very near one). What is taking up all Baijal’s energies currently is cable TV regulation and what he had to say would have rattled even more an already rattled cable fraternity. Baijal announced that within two weeks, Trai would be coming out with a consultation paper on cable pricing. Referring to the present ceiling on cable prices (effective as on 26 December 2003), Baijal said it would continue for another three months.
Baijal made it clear that while Trai did not intend to get into the regulation of the pricing of content, that would not be the case as far as inter-connect agreement issues (between broadcaster and MSO and MSO and cable operator) were concerned. The decision on tariff regulation for the carriage fee would be taken within three months, he said.
Baijal made a pointed reference to what he called “the vicious on-ground monopoly of cable operators”, while stressing on the need for regulation on issues like carriage fees.
Baijal gave out some data as well on the potential that broadband and convergence offered. Currently, Internet penetration is just 4 in 1,000 while broadband was even less at 2 in 10,000, said Baijal. Internet connectivity is 50 times more while South Korea is 2,500 times more than India, said Baijal. When comparing India and China on cable TV penetration, it is just 1:1.6 said Baijal. Now who can argue with those numbers?
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.
