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DD looking for distributors abroad
NEW DELHI: Ethnic media is an important and credible medium for communication between India and its diaspora on one hand, and the Indian public and foreign communities on the other.
Delivering the keynote address yesterday at a symposium on “Entertainment, Ethnic Media and Diasporic Identity” held as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj suggested an interaction and exchange of ideas between the leaders of the Indian Ethnic Media, both print and electronic, and their counterparts and opinion makers in India.
Stating that each entertainment and media icon of the Indian diaspora remains ‘our unofficial ambassador abroad’, she called upon the ethnic media to convey the correct and true image of the developments taking place in India to reflect the diversity in religion, language and opinions.
Inviting the NRIs (non- resident Indians) to invest in joint ventures in India, Swaraj related some very important policy initiatives taken by the Government, including the granting of industry status to the entertainment sector, opening the print media for the FDI, privatization of FM Radio, community radio, opening of KU Band, DTH and the liberalized Uplinking policy. She said that Prasar Bharati is further strengthening the DD India Channel so that the best of Doordarshan can be shown to the Indian diaspora. DD is looking for distributors abroad.
“A very important role is played by Indian diaspora in nurturing the Indian entertainment and media globally and in growth and value creation process. We must join hands and bring out more interesting and better products, which not only find markets among the 20 million strong NRIs but are also designed to capture the imagination of other communities,” she said.
She asserted that apart from reminding the NRIs (non-resident Indians), especially the younger generations, about the strong and vibrant Indian cultural identity, this media articulates a viewpoint without a foreign bias of the foreign mainstream media.
She saluted these leaders and assured them of conducive policies to facilitate their endeavours. She recounted the recent waves created by films like Devdas, Lagaan, Jamila, Amaar Bhuwan, A Dog’s Day, Monsoon Wedding, Warriors, Bend It Like Beckham and Hollywood Bollywood and said that the entire spectrum of the entertainment sector has created an awareness as never before, about India all over the world.
The exports of the entertainment industry from India, which in 1998 was $ 40 million, have crossed $ 180 million in 2001. This entertainment and media explosion has brought India closer to our diaspora and the geographical division between Indians in India and abroad is blurring if not disappearing altogether, the minister said.
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.
