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DD plans audience research to supplement TAM data
NEW DELHI: Even as national broadcaster Doordarshan continues to take market research agency TAM Media’s data on television ratings, it has decided to lay greater emphasis on conducting qualitative audience research for programme evaluation and positioning.
The matter was discussed threadbare in the research advisory committee meeting held at Doordarshan headquarters in New Delhi today.
The general consensus at the meeting was that TAM data, obtained through peoplemeters placed in 27 cities, does not give a true and correct picture of Doordarshan’s reach, which has a far stronger following in the semi-urban and rural areas. Further, the sentiment was that the sample of TAM was too small to be representative in a multi-cultural society like India.
One of the models that will be experimented with will be the setting up of Doordarshan viewer’s clubs, which would give feedback and suggestions for improvement of DD programmes.
It has also been decided to capitalise on the success of the Meri Baat interactive talk show programme on DD Bharati, which has brought hundreds of schools in close contact with Doordarshan. DD will launch more and more interactive programmes, and will use the School Forum to create awareness about the programmes. DD expects that word of mouth publicity will lead to chain reaction i.e. from the participating children, on through his/her classroom, through the school, to parents of students and other family members, on to their friends, and so on. It is envisaged that the school forum will also be used to get feedback on the quality of DD’s shows.
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.
