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Discovery-like Doordarshan channel recommended to environment ministry
MUMBAI: Doordarshan’s experiments with specialised channels aimed at various sectors did not see the outcome on expected lines. It may, however, come up with a 24×7 channel dedicated to an issue.
The third National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP), effective till 2031, has recommended setting up ‘DD Prakriti’, a television channel, for promoting awareness about nature conservation in India. The indigenous exclusive nature channel may start in 2018 and continue through the period of the NWAP.
The new NWAP, released by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC), recommended the establishing the channel in collaboration with the ministry of information and broadcasting, and Doordarshan.
National Wildlife Board member and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) CEO Vivek Menon has told the Indian Express that the content of Discovery Channel and National Geographic largely came from outside India. One could, instead, watch the proposed Indian channel. Consultations are under way on how to go about establishing the channel — the focus would be on biodiversity, wildlife and forestry.
A part of the spark for an “indigenous” nature channel came from the intent to showcase Indian filmmakers’ work, the NWAP has urged the central government to “use electronic media” in nature awareness programmes and explore utilising the social media.
The government had, in April, stopped the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from filming in India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for what it called “irreparable damage done to India’s reputation” for five years for the alleged erroneous reporting in a documentary highlighting the government’s “ruthless anti-poaching strategy” in Assam’s Kaziranga tiger reserve.
Doordarshan’s experiments, however, did not witness the outcome on expected lines. DD Kisan channel’s monthly viewership which peaked in February 2016 (153 lakh) slipped to 58 lakh by December that year, as per a demand-for-grants document submitted in the Lok Sabha. For 2017-18, the channel received a grant-in aid of Rs 800 million, Rs 200 million higher than last year’s. DD Arun Prabha and DD Kashir are also supported by government grant.
It was in November 2014 when DD National tried recreating the legacy in providing quality information and education with its shows ‘Janmon ka Bandhan’ and ‘Prakriti’. Against the backdrop of Jim Corbett National Park, “Prakriti’ – Kudrat ko bachane ki jung” tracked the story of an upright forest officer who endeavours to save nature.
If the viewers were to now compare the proposed DD Prakriti with Discovery and Nat Geo, the content, the presentation and the visual appeal need to be top class.
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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.
