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DD Bharati to telecast Indian adaptation of Russian play
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan’s cultural channel DD Bharati will telecast a Hindi play titled Pahunch Wala Aadmi, which is adapted from the Russian play A Man with Connections by Alexander Gelman.
The play will be telecast on 26 April at 6 am and 2 pm.
Directed by Bharti Sharma and staged by Kshitij Theatre Group, Pahunch Wala Aadmi is a poignant portrayal of the present times where people adapt to the inhuman ways, and the way society functions, especially in the corporate sphere.
Ajeet, the protagonist, is a victim of such situations. He is a person caught-up in the rat-race, all entangled up in the nets and traps of the corporate world. Manipulation, calculation and the lies overtake the simplicity and honesty of his character. He functions like a machine with absolutely no sense of right or wrong. It is finally Neena, his wife, who makes him realize his worthlessness and the heavy price that he had to pay to obtain this status. But, it was too late and he was left with nothing at all.
Sharma has proved her talent both as director and actress, by being able to bring out the inner turmoil, the sub text of the play in an effective manner.
Additionally, DD Bharati will also presents Oorja – Kathak by Shovana Narayan and Thumri by Kumud Diwan – at 9 pm on 26 April, with a repeat telecast on 27 April at 5 am and 1 pm. This a telecast of a recent performance of Padmashri Kathak danseuse Narayan performed to the tune of ‘Kya din thay who… Rang mai dooba’ through ‘abhinaya’, touching the heartstrings of the audience. The lively rhythms of Lucknow thumris resonated in the voice of Hindustani semi-classical singer Kumud Diwan, who was the co-performer for Oorja, provided positive energy. The concert was organised by the Indian Cancer Society.
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.
