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DD announces short film contest on Independence theme
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has announced a Swatantra Bharat Short Films Contest to mark the 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement and 70th anniversary of India’s Independence next month.
The aim is to create awareness, education, encouragement and enlightenment about inspiring, real-life stories of ordinary people who have made a difference to the society to rid it of some evil or malpractice, educate and enlighten people about the importance of Independence, freedom struggle, freedom fighters and to instil the feeling of patriotism.
Carrying prizes worth Rs 300,000, the last date for entries is 7 August 2017. The competition will have three categories.Animation films, mobile films and films of any other genre produced with broadcast quality can participate in this contest.
Regional language films are to be supported with English or Hindi transcription. But one person can only submit one film in each category – thus a maximum of three films. A jury comprising communication experts, social entrepreneurs and film makers will judge the 3-minute, 2-minute and 1-minute films separately.
The best three films in each of the three categories will get Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively and a merit certificate.
The films will be first screened on Doordarshan and then released on You Tube. The films will also be used by Doordarshan extensively in their workshops and training programmes.
DD sources said there are thousands of stories that can be told in each of these areas.
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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.
