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Buyers get down to serious business at MIPDOC
CANNES: The sixth edition of MIPDOC focused primarily on ‘quality programming’. Current affairs, history and ancient civilisations were some of the most popular themes at the two day festival, which showcased some exceptional quality of programming.
Over the course of two days (22 March and 23 March), the festival saw international buyers and sellers concentrate exclusively on factual programming.The top most screened programmes include Around The World With Tippi, by Rebel Media Ventures Corp (Canada), which took number one position, followed by CIA: Secret Wars by Capa (France), and two companies ranking third–Holy Secrets: Electing A Pope by AETN International (US) and Clone Story by US Independents (US).
Figures prove that, with a war brewing in Iraq, the turnout for the festival has not been as good as last year. This year’s market attracted a total of 473 participants (577 in 2002) and registered a total of 296 buyers from 39 countries (335 buyers from 47 countries in 2002), states an official release.
During this time, buyers were able to screen programmes from a selection of 1157 presented by 159 distribution and production companies, with approximately 50 per cent screened for the first-time ever and culminating in a total of 7449 screenings (9037 in 2002), the release adds.
| Categories | Number of Screenings |
| Current Affairs | 1790 |
| History & Civilisation | 1332 |
| Science & Knowledge | 920 |
| Art, Music & Culture | 854 |
| Nature, Wild Life | 713 |
| Adventure & Travel | 619 |
| Lifestyle | 453 |
| Personal Viewpoint | 340 |
| Docu-Soap | 313 |
| Educational | 115 |
| TOTAL | 7449 |
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.
