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CASBAA lauds India; calls for more broadcast, satellite reforms
NEW DELHI: Asian pay TV industry organisation CASBAA, while applauding the Indian government for ease of doing business, exhorted policy makers to further streamline norms relating to the broadcast and satellite industries as it led to procedural delays impacting business.
Speaking at the India Satcom 2017 forum here on Wednesday, Hong Kong-based CASBAA chairman Joe Welch said a great deal of attention has been paid to the power and infrastructure sectors, but “the key to … realisation of the prime minister’s vision of taking India up to a top-50 ranking (in ease of doing business) lies in improving business conditions in other sectors of the economy”, specifically satellite communications and broadcasting.
Welch, who was chairing a session relating to ease of doing business in the broadcast and satellite sectors, observed that broadcasting business is heavily dependent on satellite links, and that “the single most crucial measure the government could take … would be to create conducive conditions for both the satellite operators and the broadcasters to be able to enter into long-term service agreements”.
Currently, contracts for satellite capacity for DTH broadcasters are limited to a three-year term by Indian government regulation.
“Striking long-term commercial deals in a marketplace that is less government-constrained would help increase business certainty for all the stakeholders”, he said.
Satellite services are also important to achieving the Digital India dream – championed by prime minister Modi – as satellite services can help bring broadband and other related services to the hinterland of India, digitally connecting thousands of villages where cable or other modes of broadband delivery may pose logistic and financial challenges.
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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.
