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DD launches portal, albeit a little late
National pubcaster Doordarshan finally launched its online portal yesterday in Delhi after nearly six months of dilly-dallying about the launch date. A joint initiative between DD and Satyam Infoway, http://www.ddinews.com contains national and international news, which is updated round-the-clock.
Earlier the web portal was scheduled to be launched in beginning of year 2001, a plan which was postponed due to the torrid times in the dot com world.
http://www.ddinews.com, at launch, is not fully functional. Nor is it very different from other horizontal portals. A surf through the site revealed that at least four five links either led to a dead end, or led to the same page from which a click through was being attempted on a link. For example, the link leading to information about Doordarshan, did not open at all. While trying to access the convergence section, clicking on a link still lead to national and international news. The video on demand service did not seem to be fully operational, and DD officials have mentioned that the launch date for it is sometime away. Even the TV Guide was not working when http://www.indiantelevision.com journos tried to access it. It appears as though DD and Sify officials were pushed into launching it prematurely. What the pressures were they only know.
However, despite that the site appears to be well-designed. The index page has a marquee (a scroll) just below the logo running the latest news across the page. Click on the marquee and a specific news item will open up in detail.
The DD’s foray into the web came on the heels of the recommendations of the Shunu Sen Committee report which advised that DD needed to get into the latest technology without any further delay.
About Rs 25 million has been invested into building up the site. Doordarshan also has other plans to launch similar websites for Doordarshan Sports and DD World channels.
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.
