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DD may commission news shows from panel of producers
NEW DELHI: The Prasar Bharati board, which met here yesterday, has decided that Doordarshan should go in for narrowcasting by tying up with organisations like NGOs and agriculture universities.
The board also decided that while commissioning of programmes should be started again, a panel of producers should be set up to whom news and current affairs programming can be commissioned. This panel is likely to include those who have produced N&CA-based programming for DD like BAG Films, Rajat Sharma’s IMPL and Nalini Singh.
The board also discussed other issues that included recovery of money from those private agencies and producers who owe DD money running into crores of rupees and the sponsorship-related controversy that is threatening the cricket world, and the bonus scheme for bulk advertisers.
Where narrowcasting is concerned, DD has floated this scheme where it will tie up with agriculture universities like the Hissar Agriculture University (negotiations completed) for agriculture-related programmes to be made by these organisations for telecast on DD’s various regional channels or meant for local viewing. “A DD centre ready for such narrowcasting is Bellary,” a member of the Prasar Bharati board told indiantelevision.com, adding that this is part of Prasar Bharati’s efforts to live up to its image of a pubcaster.
The board, according to Prasar Bharati sources, took note of the sponsorship controversy which has engulfed the cricketing world and its implications if some top cricketers from India like Sachin Tendulkar and other countries do not participate in the ICC-organsised cricket tournaments because of their personal sponsorship deals.
“What can bother DD is that if top cricketers do not participate in the upcoming cricket tournament, then the commercial value of such matches may go down and the marketing of such matches may become a problem,” the Prasar Bharati board member said.
Though DD is fairly protected against such upheavals, the Board nevertheless took note of the controversy and its financial implications if any.
On the recovery of money owed to DD, the errant producers had suggested that DD adjusts the outstanding against them for new programming. However, a final decision on this issue could not be taken by the board at its meeting yesterday.
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.
