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DD National tops in ‘time spent in viewing’ numbers
NEW DELHI: DD National is the number one channel among all GEC’s in terms of time spent by viewers and the TAM data for week 26 from 22-28 July 2014 indicates that it topped with 92 minutes TSV as compared to 90 minutes as recorded for Sony.
The higher numbers indicate that after switching to the channel, viewers have preferred to continuously watch the channel rather than frequently switching to other channels.
DD National is also reported to be ranked three in terms of overall average viewership in early morning time band of 6 am to 8 am. The viewership of DD National channel is rising rapidly during mid prime time band from 12 pm to 3 pm as it has slotted six new family based fresh serials during this band and renamed this band as DD Dopahar.
However, an analysis done by Doordarshan itself indicates that the viewership of the channel can be higher if multi-system operators fully comply with the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 as many are still not complying with the ‘Must Carry’ clause and the carriage of the national channel is still badly affected in analogue cable networks.
Thus, DD National channel is regaining its lost ground as it has also seen rapid growth in overall viewership numbers in prime time and morning prime time of Sunday.
Its environment based programme Earth Matters directed by the renowned Mike Pandey is becoming popular among all sections of society, indicating that the channel is liked by viewers for wholesome entertainment and information based programmes and for lot of fresh programming dished out to viewers unlike other channels who are most dependent on repeat programmes and are run on six to eight hours cycle.
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.
