News Headline
Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand gets a new name – Big Magic Ganga
MUMBAI: At the stroke of midnight this Independence Day, the flagship regional entertainment channel from the Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) stable – Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand – will be donning a new identity as ‘Big Magic Ganga’.
With this move, it further extends reach to newer geographies with its presence in the Purvanchal region (East Uttar Pradesh). The new name is accompanied with a revamp of the channel’s logo and packaging ensuring greater aesthetic appeal amongst its core audience.
Commenting on the new change RBNL CEO Tarun Katial said, “Big Magic Ganga delivers to audiences an authentic, highly engaging entertainment destination which has made it the number one channel of the region. Our production set up in Patna is part of our long-term commitment to grow this regional market while creating excellent opportunities to hone skills of local talent. With this re-branding exercise, we consolidate our position, strengthen our hold, and cement our leadership position in the region. It remains our endeavor to offer audiences exceptional television engagement, and marketers a great platform to ride on.”
Accelerated with a high definition drive, Big Magic Ganga has launched a 360 degree marketing campaign, which includes television, outdoor, activations, print and innovations across multiple locations.
The channel also set up the first ever production unit in the city of Patna to ensure credible and veritable content, Big Magic Ganga will feature locally shot programming. The diverse content of the channel encompasses a wide slate ranging from crime, reality, music, devotion, movies to mythology.
The name ‘Ganga’ was derived after a focused qualitative study, group discussions and expert interviews undertaken by research agency Dragon Fly, which tested several options for names as well as channel positioning in the market.
Big Magic Ganga also recently inked distribution deals with national DTH platforms like Reliance Digital TV, Dish TV and Airtel Digital TV. Additionally, it is available on Hathway, InCable, Manthan, Digicable, GTPL, Siti Cable, Maurya, DEN and other all independent operators.
The channel holds a 31 per cent market share in the Hindi belt (UP, Bihar, Jharkhand) among the regional players and will also enter Eastern UP or the Purvanchal region.
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.
