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DD invites programmes for proposed rural-based Kisan Channel
NEW DELHI: Noting that the proposed Doordarshan Kisan is a dedicated channel for the farmers to give them information targeted to address the wholesome edutainment needs of a farmer to adopt and adapt to modern scenario, the national broadcaster has invited proposals for programmes under the Self Financing Commissioned Scheme.
DD says that the content expected for DD Kisan will primarily address the developmental needs of the farmer addressing ‘Core Agriculture’, ‘Critical Support’ and ‘Essential Ancillary’ areas, keeping in mind the varied agro-economic zones, climatic areas, different crops and the need to address the target audience spread across various states but will have to be entertaining and engaging.
The content on DD Kisan will be in Hindi with regional dubbing.
The genres for which it has invited proposals are: documentaries/features (field based); magazines/docu dramas (field based); cookery shows/biographies; daily soap/fiction serials/family serials/thrillers; film song based programmes; reality shows/game shows; and mandi bhav/bazar bhav/agro based bulletins.
In addition, DD Kisan will have a new segment for iconic characters plus content packaging where animated characters will convey the agricultural themes and desired messaging. It is expected that the participants under this category will also provide layouts of the channel’s packaging.
It will also have a segment for edited feature films where the entire film is expected to be capsuled with anchor based presentation for 60 minutes.
In the ‘bazar bhav’/mandi bhav’ segments, updates from the mandis including the template will be required to be provided, which would be required to give the core audiences suitable direction and help in the agricultural productive activity.
To begin with, each producer has to send in the synopsis of 26 episodes but this may be extended if necessary.
Under the scheme of self financed commissioning, the producer will produce the programme at his own risk and cost and on the selection of the programme, Doordarshan will market it, telecast the same and pay the producer for his services after a specified period of time.
Self financed commissioning of programmes through outside producers could be done for DD’s national channels, regional language channels, state networks, regional and local services.
DD shall, at its discretion and in accordance with its programme requirements, select producers suo moto for production of programmes. DD may also consider proposals submitted by producers on their own.
The proposals are to be submitted in complete accordance with the guidelines of SFC programmes for DD Kisan which have been placed on the website of Doordarshan – www.ddindia.gov.in
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.
