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DD Bharati completes one year on 22 January
NEW DELHI: DD Bharati, national broadcaster Doordarshan’s channel dedicated purely to “lofty issues” like that of children, health, art and culture is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary on 22 January.
Information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj, who inaugurated the channel last year, will be the chief guest for the special function which will be held at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi at 6:30 PM on 22 January 2003.
According to a release, some of the cultural programmes scheduled for the function include a Sarod duet by Ayya Ali and Aman Ali, Kuchupudi dance by Yamini Reddy, vocal recital by Ritesh and Rajnish Mishra, Jaltarang by Taufiq Quraishi and vocal recital by Zile Khan. In addition, a seminar will be held on 24 January 2003, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi , where eminent personalities will be delivering lectures on issues related to Public Service Broadcasting.
DD Bharati geared with the mission to bring out the talents in the younger generation and to inculcate value in terms of culture, health and good appetite for music, has lined up an impressive array of programmes for its viewers in the last one year.
To cater to the young viewers, the channel shows programmes on adventure, quiz, fine arts, craft and design, cartoons and stories from the classics for its young viewers. For the health conscious, it offers programmes like Sur Shanti, Your Health,Soul Searching and shows on yoga, meditation, aerobics and general health issues. In the art and cultural slot it offers programmes like Sur Yatra, Sneak Preview, Theatre, Literature, Music, Paintings, Sculptor and Architecture.
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.
