News Headline
DD to telecast unique series on film making contest on Millennium Goals
NEW DELHI: Public service broadcaster Doordarshan is launching a unique reality series: ‘Chance of a Lifetime,’ from this Friday that aims to not only highlight little-known talent but also raise issues concerning people.
The show will be telecast every Friday from 29 August at 9.00 pm.
A senior officer from Doordarshan said, “As far as DD choosing this show, it was liked because of the unique concept and high production value, and because of the involvement of Hollywood director Ashok Amritraj, and something that has immense appeal for the youngsters. DD always prefers anything that is out of the box especially in the non-fiction category. ‘Chance of a Lifetime’ has a unique concept that has not been explored by many GEC channels.”
The series is a reality show based on a filmmaking contest amongst handful of creative youngsters. The show is produced and hosted by renowned Indian sports personality Ashok Amritraj who is now a popular Hollywood producer and director.
The show is divided into seven episodes and each episode carries a public service announcement on the United Nation’s Millennium Goals made by famous names in entertainment and Hollywood such as Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonders and Antonio Bendaras.
The known names in the Indian film industry like Santosh Sivan, Nagesh Kukoonor, Anubhav Sinha and Ketan Mehta are the judges evaluating the films made by the contestants in the show. Each movie is evaluated critically and only one 10-minute film on “Universal Education” will be selected for final screening in the presence of UN officials and later in the Cannes Film Festival.
For the show, filmmakers have been selected from India, Singapore and United Arab Emirates and divided into four teams. Each team is expected to make movies on UN global issues such as AIDS, Migration, Poverty, Universal Education and Economic Development. At the end of each episode, one Hollywood personality will make a public service announcement.
In collaboration with the world famous Variety Magazine, the winning film which is much appreciated by UN Headquarters and the officials gets the chance to be a part of Cannes Film Festival.
‘Chance of a Lifetime’ not only explores the idea of tapping the creativity of film making in young minds, but also encourages them to think and create through provoking films on global issues that need to be heard and understood.
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.
