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DD agriculture programmes get additional budget
NEW DELHI: Just before the financial year 2016-17 came to a close, the Central Production Centre of Doordarshan was been allocated an additional sum of Rs 1.9 million in a modified budget for production of agriculture programmes.
The CPC, which produces programmes for DD Kisan apart from DD National, had given given a budget of Rs 5.2 million at the beginning of the year. Thus, the total budget for 2016-17 has risen to Rs 7.1 million.
The directive was given by the Directorate General of DD after a letter was received in this connection on 28 March 2017. The additional allocation has been given under Broadcasting Mode under the scheme ‘Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension’ assisted by other Ministries.
Earlier, in December 2016, Doordarshan News and 30 regional news units (RNU) were allocated an additional Rs 100.8 million for the current year, taking the total allocation to about Rs 474 million for expenses that include payment to stringers and to the news agencies — United News of India and Press Trust of India.
Of this, Prasar Bharati sanctioned a sum of Rs 620,000 for the news agencies which includes an additional Rs 260,000 approved earlier this week. Thus, the budget for DD News went up to Rs 240 million with the additional Rs 54 million.
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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.
