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Colors Tamil announces special programming for Pongal starting 14 January
Mumbai: Colors Tamil has announced a special programming line-up for Pongal starting on Friday 14 January and concluding on 16 January.
The channel will air a mix of shows including “Sirappa Pattimandram,” helmed by actor-director K Bhagyaraj and a star-studded awards function “Colors Tamil Thiruvizha” powered by Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk.
“Sirappu Pattimandram” will have an array of speakers from different walks of life like actor-director Pandiarajan, actor-comedian Ramesh Kanna, renowned Pattimandram speaker Sumathi Sri, and actor Jangiri Madhumitha. The show’s sponsors include ‘powered by’ sponsor Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk, ‘special’ partners Cardia Advanced Groundnut Oil and Aroma Agmark Ghee and will be telecast on Friday starting at 9.00 a.m.
“Colors Tamil Thiruvizah” will be hosted by actor duo Aadhavan and Farina Azad. The three-hour special show will have a variety of dancing and singing acts by prominent playback singers Velmurugan and Mukesh. The celebration will witness a slew of actors from Tamil cinema including Santhanam, Ashok Selvan, Rithvika, Manikandan along with the cast and crew of ‘Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal’ making a special appearance. The awards are supported by ‘powered by’ sponsor Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk and ‘special’ partner Gold Winner and will be telecast on Friday at 10.30 a.m.
The channel will also present a cine weekend with “Local Boys” featuring Mammooty, Arya, Prithviraj and Priya Anand at 4.30 p.m on Saturday 15 January. It will also telecast the world TV premiere of ‘Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam’ starring RS Karthik and Ayra in the lead roles on 16 January at 4.30 p.m.
“The extravagance and quintessence of Pongal lies in the togetherness of families and letting go of worries,” said Colors Tamil business head Rajaraman S. “We’re ecstatic to be able to provide such an intriguing roster of shows that will bring hours of entertainment and a diverse range of content that will keep families engaged and merry, especially considering the current pandemic state.”
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.
