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DD digitizes 20,000+ hours of archival recordings; to outsource digitization
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan, which commenced digitization of its archival recordings in 2003, had spent Rs 9.57 crore until October last year out of the allocation of Rs 19.21 crore allocated for the purpose under the Eleventh Plan.
DD was allocated a further Rs 16.32 crore under the 12th Plan, which as remained unutilized until October last year.
In addition, DD spent sums of Rs 4.59 crore (out of the available Rs 4.82 crore), Rs 3.35 crore (out of the available Rs 3.56 crore), Rs 3.47 crore (out of the available Rs 4.27 crore and Rs 2.89 crore (from the Rs 4 crore) for 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively for this digitization from the Internal Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR) of Prasar Bharati.
Doordarshan has digitized 20,139 hours of recordings. Among these, AIR digitized material include archival records of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Azad, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and many other national leaders and Doordarshan recordings are under 38 categories, which include rare archival records of several national leaders.
Prasar Bharati sources told Indiantelevision.com that it plans to outsource the digitization process, and has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) calling for applications from private entities for digitization of its archival / legacy programmes.
However, as per sources, digitized archives of Doordarshan are not accessible to the people through mobile phone applications.
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.
