News Headline
Divya Dutta to anchor ‘Stree Shakti’ on DD National
NEW DELHI: Renowned award-winning actor Divya Dutta has come on board ‘Stree Shakti’, a bold and impactful initiative by Doordarshan national channel.
With 720 Minutes of meaningful content, more than 30 women achievers, hundreds of tweets, and a growing audience with each episode, the show has been able to leave a dent in the emotional and psychological psyche of most of its viewers. Dutta is coming on board as the anchor of the show from 22 February for fourteen episodes. Dutta, with hit films like ‘Veer Zara’,’ Special 26’, ‘Heroine’, and ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’ has given a unique flavour to this show by her deep voice, confident persona and sensitive approach, where she has been able to bring the best out of the women achievers who are sharing their heart rendering sagas in every episode.
Talking about her association Dutta said “Listening to the stories of all the women achievers made me feel inspired. I was held spellbound and speechless at times. By the end of each episode I realized how strong and emancipated these women are, as they have achieved what no mortal can do in the painful and difficult circumstances like theirs. Women like Urvashi, Sneha and Priyanka make me bow my head in respect.”
The talk show is being telecast on Doordarshan National every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm. It features exemplary women achievers who having gone through excruciating trials and tribulations, emerged as achievers in their own right and today are empowered and content, setting examples for the viewers. Divya Dutta’s first episode of Stree Shakti dealt through with the story of a brave girl Urvashi who had suffered sexual abuse repeatedly during her childhood.
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.
