News Headline
DD 11 employee creates record of sorts
MUMBAI: Pankaj Chauhan, the Doordarshan Ahmedabad (DD 11) employee who won a special recognition award at the second Transmedia Gujarati Screen and Stage awards 2002 held in Mumbai held on 19 March, has several records to his credit.
Chauhan is the director, producer and editor of the most popular serial on DD 11 – Ek Daal Na Panchi. The serial which is telecast every day at 4:30 pm has completed its 375th episode on air. Chauhan’s is probably the first instance of a DD employee producing his own serial and organising finances for the same.
Chauhan, who has received technical training from film institutes, conceptualised the story idea; presented the same to his seniors; selected the cast and crew; organised the sets and supervised all aspects of the show right from inception. The show has very high TRP ratings and is amongst the top shows preferred by advertisers due to its popularity among women audiences.
“The serial brings out simple facets of Gujarati culture and family values. There is no negativity or malice anywhere within the plot. Each episode revolves around one particular issue and viewers can catch up with the serial at any point of time even if they miss some episodes. We have used relatively newcomers and stage actors who have performed creditably. The entire shoot happened in the specially created set located within our studio,” says Chauhan, while speaking to indiantelevision.com.
Chauhan is also gearing up to shoot a short story series – Vinnie Path – based on the work of famous Indian author Dhumketu. Veteran actor Tom Alter has been roped in for this series which will be aired on DD 11. It will be shot in the premises of Deboi Killa, a heritage fort in Gujarat.
During the recently held Gujarat assembly elections, Chauhan had single-handedly anchored a marathon nine hour Election Special session on DD 11. He shared the dais with several luminaries from the state politics and other political observers – without a single break.
When questioned whether he will consider producing shows for private channels, Chauhan asserts: “I shall always be a Doordarshan loyalist.”
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.
