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BARC week 36: Sun TV continues to rule the roost by far across genres
BENGALURU: Except for a blip during the IPL weeks, the Tamil regional GEC Sun TV has held firm to its apex position in the top ten channels list based on ratings as per BARC data. While Hindi GECs’ dominated the top ten channels, taking seven of the spots, two other regional channels (besides Sun TV) have edged into the list over the past few months. Regional channels grabbed the numero uno, fifth and eighth spots in the list.
Among the top ten channels in BARC week 36 of 2016 were three Star India Channels; two channels each from or associated with the Sun Network, the Essel Groups ZEEL, Network 18; and one from Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd.
And so Sun TV continued to rule the roost in BARC in week 36 with 1069531 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum, followed by Star Plus, Zee TV and Colors from the Hindi GEC space at second, third and fourth positions respectively. Star Plus had 787960 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum, while Zee TV had 612813 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum, and Colors had 603413 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum
On fifth position was another regional channel from the Sun Network – the Telugu GEC Gemini with 574960 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum. Zee Anmol and Sony Max followed at sixth and seventh spots with 488422 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum and 463425 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum. Another regional channel associated with the Network 18 stable – ETV Telugu come in at eighth place with 453836 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum. The last two spots were taken by Star India’s Star Utsav with 437286 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum and Life OK with 423635 Weekly Impressions (000s) sum at ninth and tenth place in that order.
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.
