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DD does not envisage any new transmitters except in border areas: Rathore
NEW DELHI: While denying a slowdown in Doordarshan’s expansion plans, the Government said that new transmitters are not envisaged except for a few in the border areas.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore told Parliament that this was in view of multichannel TV coverage having been provided in the entire country through Doordarshan’s free to air DTH service.
However, as part of continuing schemes of 12th Plan, Doordarshan has set up High Power Transmitter (HPT) (interim setup) at Mehaboobnagar and a Very Low Power Transmitter (VLPT) at Joginder Nagar during the last three years.
Doordarshan has also approved five new transmitters to be set-up in Jammu and Kashmir: High Power Transmitters (DD1 & DD News) Rajouri; HPT, Natha Top (Patni Top); HPT, Himbotingla Top; and HPT, Green Ridge.
A total of 21 radio channels (programmes) of AIR have been made available through DTH platform DD Freedish (Ku-band) and these can be received through a set top box all over the country including uncovered areas.
Doordarshan’s terrestrial coverage is estimated to be available to about 92 per cent of population spread over 81 per cent area of the country.
The areas uncovered by terrestrial transmitters along with rest of the country have been provided with multichannel TV coverage through Doordarshan’s free to air DTH service Freedish. It is possible to receive DTH signals anywhere in the country with the help of a small sized dish receive unit. Equipment for upgradation of DTH platform from 59 TV channels to 97 to 112 TV channels has been installed recently.
Besides these, Doordarshan’s regular 22 channels are available on satellite mode and through cable network, which is the most preferred source of viewership and receptional viewership.
DD is expanding its Freedish services for which viewers will get to see 112 channels as against 59 at present.
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.
