News Headline
DD Bharati to telecast folk music show ‘Mangal Chowk’
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan Bharati is to telecast Mangal Chowk to revive the old glory and melodious voices of some of the finest folk singers the nation has produced and also some from across the borders.
The series will be aired from 7 March onwards, every Saturday at 9 pm and repeat next day at 5 am and 1 pm.
The series showcases some of the popular and renowned folk singers like Allah Jilai Bai, Vindhyavasini Devi, Teejan Bai, Wadali Brothers and Reshma amongst others.
Speaking about Mangal Chowk, writer and author Yatinder Mishra said, “The series is solely dedicated to Indian traditional folk music exhibiting various forms of Sufi singing that will surely bring the masses close to the cultural heritage of our country; it is a musical treat for the folk music lovers.”
Elaborating on the seris, thumri singer Dr Kumud Diwan added, “The series assumes the special significance with a view to promote and propagate the Maand, Sufi and Bhakti styles of singing, which is an important part of Indian folk music and is prevalent in different regions of India.”
The series focus on various genres of popular folk music (namely Qawwali, Bhajan in Sufi style and many more). Mangal Chowk has been beautifully conceived and thoughtfully carved keeping the viewers eternal love for Folk music in view. Mangal Chowk will travel from various styles of folk singing such as Margi (Bhakti Sangeet) and Desi Sangeet, which will quench the thirst of the folk music lovers.
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.
