News Headline
DD to reopen bidding for Metro slots?
A day after the industry’s nyet to Prasar Bharati’s efforts to attract bidders for Doordarshan’s Metro, a leading business daily reported that the pubcaster was planning to offer the 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM prime time band without any minimum floor price. However, sources in Delhi said that while DD officials were open to the idea of a reduction in the base bid they were unlikely to accept a zero sum situation.
Sources said an official announcement would be made in the next two days, probably through advertisements in newspapers.
A possibility that has been thrown up is of DD producing and marketing programmes on its own but this seems an impractical option. What could happen is that DD reverts to the old system where a particular time slot is thrown open either to producers for bidding or a producer approaches the pubcaster with a programme for a time slot on an air time barter basis. (Here the air time sales are looked after by the producer and the rights to the programme are also with him/her.)
Asked for HFCL-Nine Broadcasting’s reaction in the light of the the possible changed circumstances, an official spokesperson said there was nothing further to add to the statement CEO Ravina Raj Kohli had put out yesterday.
Partha Sinha, senior vice-president marketing, Zee Telefilms, said: “We will have to make a fresh reassessment if the reports are true but it’s too soon to make a definitive comment.”
Star India CEO Peter Mukerjea said he would prefer to wait for official word from Prasar Bharati. “At the moment it’s all too speculative,” he said.
Markand Adhikari, vice-chairman and managing director, Sri Adhikari Network Ltd, a DD content provider, said that he was in favour of the half hour time slot air time barter system, rather than larger time bands being blocked up by a single player, so that everyone operates “under a level playing field.”
Interestingly, senior Doordarshan officials are reported to be against any re-negotiation with HFCL-Nine Broadcasting on the issue of giving an extension to the existing contract.
The Kerry Packer-backed outfit had last year bagged the prime time slot of 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM for Rs 1210 million. HFCL-Nine’s annual contract ends in September for the 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM slot and October for the 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM band. The minimum floor price in the new bids for the three-hour prime time band were put at RS 975 million.
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.
