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Discovery going all out to promote ‘Kisna’
NEW DELHI: The Discovery Kids channel is going all out to popularise its new animation series ‘Kisna’ as it is an India-based series and is a ‘driver show’.
told indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of a press meet on the launch of the new series by, and series maker Rahul Johri and renowned filmmaker Ketan Mehta that the percentage of marketing was very high for this show.
Discovery Channel Asia Pacific VP marketing Rajiv Bakshi said while the series has already been promoted for almost a month on all Discovery channels, it will now be promoted on other channels as well as on billboards and through school activities. While Facebook was being used to promote the series among adults so that they could encourage the young to see it, the social network was not available to those under 18 years of age.
Filmmaker Ketan Mehta said that the aim of the series was to impart education and entertainment at the same time. He said the name ‘Kisna’ had been used because it had an association with everyone in the subcontinent, but the series would be contemporary and every episode would also have some education value. Thus, it was not the story of Lord Krishna.
The series, produced by Cosmos Entertainment and Maya Digital Studios, would be telecast from 19 October at 2 pm every Friday in English, Tamil and Hindi. It would be repeated at 6 pm.
Discovery’s current portfolio in India includes 11 channels – Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Tamil, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World – apart from a Discovery Channel Magazine.
Apart from the three High Definition channels – Discovery World, TLC World and Animal Planet World – Investigation Discovery (ID) was launched early this month and carries true stories of crime and their investigation. Though the stories are all American, they have been dubbed in Hindi. Each story is complete in itself.
Kisna is the story of an adventurous and amusing young boy from Anandnagri and his adversary the wicked Raja Durjan of Andhernagri. During the series, Kisna will clash with Raja Durjan and each time squash his evil plans of spreading fear in Kisna’s hometown.
Mehta said, “Kisna is a fascinating story told through captivating characters. Kisna’s endearing personality combined with his superhero powers will make him a favourite character amongst the kids. We are delighted to partner with Discovery Kids, a renowned brand that delivers fun and enriching entertainment.”
Discovery Kids is available in Hindi, English and Tamil languages across India on both analogue and DTH platforms including Tata Sky, Dish TV, Reliance DTH, Airtel Digital and Videocon d2h.
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.
