News Headline
BBC Tamilosai launches series on human rights in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka
The BBC’s Tamil service, Thamizhosai (Voice of Tamil) is to broadcast a new 20-part series on human rights situation in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
The new radio series Maanudam Vellum (Humanity Will win), which is part of the BBC’s “I have a right to” series, broadcast in various languages, will start on August 3 and will go on air every Saturday as part of the BBC Tamizhosai programming, according to an official release.
To prepare the series, BBC Tamizhosai producer Sampath Kumar visited the war torn Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu earlier this summer. Sampath Kumar looks at a cross-section of the population in both regions – the refugees living in Sri Lankan and Tamil Nadu camps, friends and relatives of the victims of war, parents of the children conscripted by rebels, human rights activists and others.
The series also includes exclusive interviews with Tamil Tigers leaders Karikalan and SP Tamilselvan where they speak about the human rights situation in the war torn North and East of Sri Lanka and the charges against Tigers’ own human rights record.
In Tamil Nadu, the series discusses cases of human rights violations in the recent past and contemporary issues such as discrimination against Dalits in some southern districts, the controversy around capital punishment and cases of custodial torture and rape
Says Thirumalai Manivannan, editor of BBC Thamizhosai: “This is the first time in recent years that a Tamil journalist has gone so extensively into the war torn north and east of Sri Lanka and reported on the human rights conditions there.”
The “Maanudam Vellum” – Humanity will win – series seeks to raise awareness of human rights issues and to tell people how they can make a difference to the human rights situation where they are.
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.
