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DD Bharati explores music and monsoon with two new shows
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is presenting its own ode to the monsoon – which is awaited by all to give a relief from the scorching heat – with two programmes which highlight the ragas and melodies based on classical music inspired by the rains.
DD Bharati will telecast Ghan Garaje featuring Pt. Kumar Gandharva and Shobha Gurtu, on 19 July at 09:00 pm. The show will also see a repeat on 20 July at 05:00 am and 01:00 pm. This will be followed by an archival presentation The exalted portals of Thumri on 20 July at 9.00 pm and the repeat telecast at 5.00 am and 1.00 pm on 21 July.
In Ghan Garaje, Gandharva and Gurtu will revoke Lord Indra (Rain God) with their music. In The exalted portals of Thumri, one can come closer to the three thumri queens —Naina Devi, Begum Akhtar and Girija Devi.
The three regale their audience with their thumri repertoire. It is a virtual treat for those who have never heard them before as Naina Devi sings thumri, Begum Akhtar dwells on joli and Girija Devi recites a dadra.
According to Doordarshan, there is a firm belief in Indians that music can change everything and it is the only art which remains pure irrespective of its form. Whether it is sung, played or heard, music never changes but influences those who are a part of its depth and untouched beauty.
DD Bharati has also attempted to question people’s knowledge of the beauty of ragas. For example, while a few still remember Raga Deepak or Raga Amruthavarshini, the next generation is generally unaware of Baiju Bawra, Meera, Urvashi and her powers.
The aim of DD Bharati is to revive these bits of knowledge that is slowly disappearing, through its programmes on Indian art and culture and take them to an international level.
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.
