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DD revives popular series to engage audiences
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan, which claims the largest viewership in semi-urban and rural India, now appears to have gone on a binge to popularise its programmes ensuring revival of popular programmes.
The popular show ‘Sammaan… Ek Adhikaar’ has been brought back at prime-time on viewer’s demand. The show will be telecast every Monday at 9:00 pm.
The serial has been directed by Swapna Wagmare Joshi and Producer-Writer is Mitu. Main cast in the serial includes: Rishabh Shukla, Bharat Chawda, Naveen Saini, Nikhil Deewan, Upasana Shukla, Harshada Khanvilkar, and Neelam Mehra.
The story-line of the serial showcases a woman’s search for her rightful respect. The serial follows the story of Vrinda who finds out that she is the illegitimate daughter of a rich man. In the name of redemption, the father, before dying, leaves all the property to her with a sole request that she joins his disjointed joint family.
Her tryst with destiny while fulfilling her father’s last wish; her resistance to give in to a society that looks down upon unwed mothers; her battle to win back her respect or ‘Sammaan’; is the bottom line of the story. It is a daughter’s journey to get love and honour for herself and her mother.
Once again standing apart with its choice of content that is artistically superior and reflects social commitment, DD has commenced a musical travelogue, ‘Nadiyaan Gaati Hain’ or ‘Songs of a River’, a documentary on Indian rivers that is telecast every Friday at 7.00 pm.
Conceptualised around central Indian rivers, the series has been successful in leaving an indelible mark among viewers. The programme is aimed at engaging the urban, semi-urban audience by tying it with its roots.
In its vibrant 13-part series, the story takes one through the history, mythology and culture around the six significant rivers of Madhya Pradesh, namely: Narmada, Betwa, Shipra, Tapti, Chambal and Sone. Each river has been delineated with picturesque visual, melodious folk music pertaining to the culture prevalent around the river, and conversations from people who have studied, and worshipped these rivers in their own manner.
The inaugural episode, part of its three-part feature, showcased the river ‘Narmada’ – called ‘Namade’ (considered the mother and giver of peace) by the Greek philosopher ‘Ptolemy’. The show will then be followed by enchanting stories of the other five rivers during the next three months.
The fourth season of the award-winning environmental series ‘Earth Matters’ by Mike Pandey of Riverbank Studios has also commenced on Sundays at 10.30 am. The programme led to the formation of the Earth Matters Foundation which through thousands of Earth Matters Clubs all over the country is actively involved in creating awareness amongst the common people about the problems around them, which Pandey says is aimed at bringing “citizens’ science to people”.
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.
