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DD Bharati telecasts mutual interest programs coinciding with Prez’s visit to China
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan and China’s pubcaster CCTV (China Central Television) are telecasting series of programmes aimed at fostering better people to people understanding between the two countries to coincide with the visit of president Pranab Mukherjee to China.
The president is in China from today to 27 May and this has led to an interesting exchange of programmes between the public broadcasters of two countries..
This exchange of programmes comes under the ambit of an MOU signed in May 2015, when prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese premier Li Keqiang expanded the cooperation between the two countries from films to television co-productions.
Prasar Bharati CEO Jawahar Sircar had played an instrumental role in the signing of this agreement with CCTV President Nie Chen Xi.
The telecast of the selected programmes on the two platforms is on gratis basis. The genre of the programmes range from art, culture, education, science, wildlife, entertainment, tourism, adventure sports, news and current affairs along with human interest, development and success stories.
DD Bharati scheduled four documentaries of which the first telecast last night was titled‘Laughing Meat Balls’. This documentary gave viewers a valuable peep into the biopic of the founder of the Laughing Meat Balls club. Narrating the overall achievements and qualities of this theatre group, the documentary clearly highlights the essence of traditional Chinese opera.
A documentary titled ‘A Family of Bowyers’ will be telecast on today at 7:30 pm. The repeat telecast will air on 25 May at 3:30 am and at 11:30 am. This documentary outlines the traditional family trade of quality bow making.
A third documentary titled ‘My Solo Tour to France’ will be telecast on 25 May at 7:30 pm. The repeat telecast will air on 26 May at 3:30 am and at 11:30 am. It is a story about a person who takes his bicycle to tour the extensive journey of France. The cyclist narrates his experiences and happening during his tour in France.
The fourth documentary titled ‘Wildlife Photographer’ on 26 May at 7:30 pm will be repeated on 27 May at 3:30 am and at 11:30 am. The film highlights the wildlife photography in China. Apart from the traditional equipment the film also highlight usage of latest electronic and other professional accessories to achieve the best result.
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.
