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Conference seeks ways to revitalise cable industry
MUMBAI: The future of cable television in India lies in the value additions that addressability can deliver in the days to come.
Overtly as well as subtly, this was the message driven home by the speakers at the day long Ficci-SCaT 2003 conference on the cable and satellite sector held in Mumbai on Thursday.
Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India CEO Kunal Dasgupta set the tone in his keynote address by stressing that broadcasters and distributors alike need to ‘begin listening to what the consumer is asking for’.
He opined that the set-top box (STB) should not just be a medium to pass on the same channels that were available earlier, but be able to deliver more interactive and localised services. This way it would arouse the interest of the consumer, he said.
Dasgupta lamented the lack of communication between the government, broadcasters, multisystem operators and the lay public and blamed it for the chaotic implementation of conditional access in the country. However, IndusInd Media and Communications vice-chairman R T Hingorani alleged that it was the combined effort of politicians, broadcasters and ‘instigated consumers’ which ensured that CAS’ does not take off well.
Predicting that there will be segmentation after CAS is implemented, Hingorani said that while an estimated 45 per cent of consumers will opt for the free-to-air (FTA) channels only, there would still be 40 per cent of the TV viewing population that would opt for the premium value additions which could be offered via a STB.
Admitting that subscribers’ base declaration is still at a measly 20-25 per cent of the actual viewing public, Hingorani said that measures were being taken to ensure that by next September the figure rises to 50 per cent.
Later, speaking on revenue generation through conditional access, NDS Solutions director James Field said that CAS can be used to leverage the ability to pay by the entire demographic mix of subscribers – from those with very little disposable income to the high fliers with all the latest gadgets.
While the higher demographics may well decide to spend more, a sophisticated billing system can also offer viewing opportunities tailored to the subscribers’ ability to pay.
Swissfone India Ventures president Laveleen Singhal, who also spoke at the conference, said that internet telephony, global calling is a revenue spinner that can be added to the services bouquet by a cable operator. Pay-per-use services, he said, are also possible, but are hampered by poor implementation of IP legislation allowing unfair advantage to video libraries and pirated movie and gaming software.
Singhal pointed out, Web commerce could become a local community subject with no payment hassles, easy and guaranteed delivery obviating the need for inventory and display costs.
Order collation could drive purchase efficiencies and help cable operators save money, he said.
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.
