News Headline
DD National to relaunch next week with new look and shows
NEW DELHI: With a new slogan of ‘Desh Ka Apna Channel’, Doordarshan National which is the primary channel of Prasar Bharati is adorning new colours of purple and pink with a fresh palette of programming from 17 November.
The channel will continue to focus on traditional family values – ‘Rishtey’, ‘Nation before Self’, ‘Rashtra Gaurav’ and ‘Trustworthiness – Dilon Mein Vishwas’.
In an exclusive interview to indiantelevision.com, DD director general Vijayalaxmi Chhabra said that the channel had also adopted competitive procurement guidelines which were attracting major producers towards the pubcaster.
She said while DD National had stopped commissioning programmes, it was directly marketing serials to get sponsors for its programmes.
The new look of DD National will be unveiled from 17 November, she said, adding that the vibrancy of the channel would be reviewed from time to time.
She said: “In keeping with our vision for providing wholesome entertainment to audiences across the length and breadth of the country with a public service responsibility, Doordarshan National will be coming with a new look and feel and eight new shows in prime time.”
‘Happy Homes – Khatte-meethe jeevan ke rang’ will start from 17 November at 7.00 pm and is a light comedy of unity in diversity where people speaking different languages and from different regions live together in a colony.
This will be followed at 7:30 pm by ‘Khwabon ke darmiyan – Sach aur sapno se jhoojhti zindagi’, to highlight the struggle to bridge the gap between dreams and reality for women in the fast-changing social context.
After that, ‘Khamosh sa afsana – Jidd aur armano ka fasana’ at 8:00 pm has a fine cast of talented stalwarts like Tom Alter, Roopa Ganguly, and M K Raina who are the central characters in a story depicting the struggle of a daughter fighting to balance her work and managing her disabled parents.
‘Zindagi ek Bhanwar – Rajneeti me mahila ka raaj’ at 9.00 pm is a political drama which aims at reaching out to the aspirations of society and desiring changes in quality of life, followed at 9:30 pm by ‘Dard Ka Rishta – Badalte Sambandhon ki kahani’. The story revolves around disregard of the senior citizens in today’s urbanized societies. Sushma Seth will make a comeback on DD National after almost 30 years with this show.
‘Jab Jab Bahar Ayee – Janmon ka bandhan ya bandhish’ at 10.00 pm is a serial which touches upon a dilemma of husband and wife trying to keep their family together and finding happiness not withstanding their personal differences.
Chhabra said DD National is also building its weekend prime-time with two shows ‘Janmon ka Bandhan’ and ‘Prakriti’. ‘Janmon ka Bandhan – Insaani rishton ka tana bana’ starting 21 November will air from Friday to Sunday at 7.00 pm and is a women-centric family drama.
‘Prakriti – Kudrat ko bachane ki jung’ tracks the story of an ideal forest officer who endeavours to save nature. It is set against the backdrop of scenic Jim Corbett Park. It will air from 22 November, every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 pm, she 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.
