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DD National spruces up afternoon slot with six new shows
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan National has spruced up its afternoon band titled ‘DD Dopahar Apke Ghar’ by launching six new shows.
Introduced last year as a separate band with fresh shows and not repeats, the afternoon slots between noon and 3 pm has become popular and has been reflected in the channel’s TAM ratings.
The new shows have been introduced in two phases. Centered on different genres, the programmes, which will be aired between 12 – 3 pm are: Tum Bin Jiya Jaye Na, Adhikar, Pragati, Ek Laqshya, Humnawaz and Ummeed Nayi Subah Ki.
Tum Bin Jiya Jaye Na will be aired at 12 pm and is a romantic drama telling the story of Simran, a girl who loves someone since childhood but marries someone else.
Adhikar at 12:30 pm is the story of feisty Nandini, whose courage, resilience, self- confidence and principles are tested through many ups and downs in the family she gets married into.
In the 1 pm slot, the channel will soon air Humnawaz, which tells the story of two lovers who belong to different communities, castes, and social strata but write their own story of love, through their feelings and passion for each other, hoping to bridge the gap between, their families, created by archaic traditions of society.
Using the 1:30 pm slot to bring in a series based on Sahitya Academy winning novel, ‘Diwaro Se Par Akash’, DD will shortly commence telecast of Ummeed Nayi Subah Ki, which is the story of Vasudha, who breaks the chains of old fashioned traditions and emerges as the evolved woman of today.
At 2 pm, the social drama Pragati will showcase the age-old malady of society – that of girl child education – portrayed in the story by the little girl Pragati who fights for her right to education and eventually wins.
This will be followed at 2:30 pm by Ek Laqshya, which brings a lively, vivacious and inspiring story of three girls who join the Indian army facing their own set of problems, both internal and external.
A DD spokesperson said, “Through these six shows, Doordarshan not only wants to hold the attention of the afternoon viewers, but also aims to capture their hearts and give a strong message that through the slot ‘DD Dopahar’, DD National wants to portray a strong, progressive and emancipated society; in which we live in today, as these shows are just a reflection of our society.”
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.
