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DEN lends its ears to LCOs’ apprehensions
MUMBAI: As India‘s government-mandated cable TV digitisation rolls out, one person who has been feeling threatened is the local cable operator (LCO). To address this concern, DEN Networks, Star India and Dolby in collaboration hosted a road show ‘DAS: Daulat aur Shahrat’. The initiative was an effort to reaffirm the trust and also appreciate the LCOs for their efforts for successful implementation of phase II of digital addressable systems (DAS).
The first set of the roadshows, attended by 50 LCOs, was conducted in Kanpur on 19 August and in Lucknow on 21 August. Hosted by Star India on behalf of DEN in association with Dolby, the road show educated the LCOs about the opportunities created by digitisation. “This was the first initiative where the broadcaster, MSO and LCO all came together to talk about the latest in digitisation,” says DEN Networks CEO S.N. Sharma.
The road show was a step towards creating a platform for the various players in the ecosystem. “This was an effort to inform them that digitisation will help them increase proportionate revenue for their services,” he adds.
The implementation of DAS across India is a massive undertaking which promises a complete transformation of the Indian media landscape. “This initiative was aimed at DEN’s LCOs, who are the face of the MSO for the subscriber and focused at informing and educating them about the tremendous opportunities that digital cable has to offer,” informs Sharma.
The LCOs were also made aware of the potential revenue streams due to a wider and better service offering bought in by digitisation such as multiple TV connections, HD, value added services and broadband.
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Digitisation brings with it opportunities even for LCOs says S.N. Sharma
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The conference also elaborated on the challenges lying ahead. “Concerted and continuous efforts from stakeholders can make digitisation a grand success in the remaining territories.”
To ensure that the transition is more seamless for the subscriber and the LCO, DEN also announced a plethora of schemes on educating the consumer regarding channel packages and filling of package authorisation forms (PAF) before the TRAI deadline of 20 September, 2013.
Speaking on the concerns of the LCOs, Sharma says, “The LCO feels that his livelihood will be affected post implementation of digitisation and channel packaging. We through the road show have informed them of the benefits of digitisation and explained that life will be great post digitisation.”
DEN last year conducted a training programme before implementing its digitisation rollout. “That was to make them aware and also address their concerns.”
The current roadshow, which involved the broadcaster and also the technology partner Dolby, was well received. “It has given us the confidence to try and explore more such forums in other cities and states.”
Though no specific timeline has yet been set, but the MSO is exploring many more such modes of getting the LCOs together and addressing their concerns. “We will spread out across all markets in tier II cities and also those in the phase III of digitisation,” he informs.
Clearly, the idea is to have a more joyous ride together on the road to digitisation.
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.
