GECs
Broadcasters urged to publicize International Yoga Day on 21 June
NEW DELHI: With the United Nations’ endorsement of observing 21 June as International Yoga Day for the first time, representatives of the Information and Broadcasting and AYUSH Ministries today met broadcasters to seek their proactive participation.
I&B secretary Bimal Julka and AYUSH secretary Nilanjan Sanyal interacted with the representatives of News Broadcasters Association, Indian Broadcasting Foundation, CRFI, FCSR and representatives from Digital Cinema to ensure enhanced coverage, content and reach across news, GECs, digital, CRS and radio platforms.
Both emphasized that the collaborative effort would also reinforce the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this would also enable the event having an international impact with the focus on Yoga being a people’s movement.
Representatives from the industry bodies promised to proactively participate in promoting the event while at the same time providing and broadcasting content free of cost.
They mentioned that content would be sourced in the form of spots featuring popular TV artists on GEC platforms, and messages endorsing the relevance of Yoga. These spots would run across the broadcaster’s network on both news and GEC segments.
Industry representatives also agreed to take forward content created by the AYUSH Ministry on their platforms pro bono.
They agreed to popularize the Yoga initiative on news platform on the news segment through Special programmes, discussions and studio-based events. It was also agreed that the events associated with International Yoga day would be covered appropriately.
Representatives of the industry from radio, digital cinema and community radio stream also offered to take the advocacy efforts forward through their network and distribution platforms.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
