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BBC Tamil TV news bulletins launched on Thanthi TV
NEW DELHI: Following a partnership between BBC World Service and Thanthi TV, news bulletins with BBC’s coverage of top international stories of the day can be seen from Monday to Friday at 7.30 pm.
BBC World Service is the first international broadcaster to offer Tamil-language TV content.
The BBC Tamil TV programme draws on the BBC’s global newsgathering presence across the world, covering politics, economy, business, entertainment, culture and human-interest stories.
BBC Tamil editor Manivannan Thirumalai, said, “The pioneering launch of the Tamil TV news bulletin is a milestone for the Tamil-language international broadcasting, once again demonstrating the BBC’s commitment to regional audiences. We are thrilled to be offering our new TV programming to viewers in Tamil Nadu thanks to our collaboration with Thanthi TV. We are looking forward to serving our audiences with this new TV content which builds on the values of independence, accuracy and unbiased reporting that have won the BBC the trust of its audiences.”
Thanthi TV COO Vijayan added, “Being one of the largest media conglomerates in India and the pioneer in Tamil news, Thanthi Group can partner only organisations with best practices of responsible journalism, such as BBC World Service and BBC Tamil. Thanthi TV, the leading Tamil news TV channel, takes pride in bringing BBC Tamil news to millions of discerning viewers in Tamil Nadu as part of our endeavour to provide them with best news service.”
BBC Tamil presenter Sangeetha Rajan added, “I am proud to be bringing the BBC news to our audiences. I hope very much that viewers of Thanthi TV will make an appointment to view our bulletins, to keep abreast of key world developments with the world’s most trusted international broadcaster.”
The new TV programming adds to the BBC Tamil content available on radio, online via bbctamil.com and via mobile devices. BBC Tamil is part of BBC World Service.
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.
