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Doordarshan revamps afternoon slots
NEW DELHI: The General Entertainment Channels (GECs) may not be too keen on adding fresh content to their afternoon slot, and this is where national public broadcaster has found an opportunity. DD National has launched a dedicated slot for afternoon shows of all colours, genres and emotions called ‘DD Dopahar…Aapke Ghar.’
The slot, which commenced last week from 12 noon to 3.00 pm, has serials produced and directed by the big-wigs from the television and film fraternity, including Harry Baweja, Karan Razdan, Paintal, Sudhir Pandey and Maninee Dey.
The bouquet is being showcased by DD National back to back, said Director General Tripurari Sharan, adding: “We are bringing in good programmes that are entertaining as well as socially relevant, with a slew of these new mid-time shows. Doordarshan is all geared to engage people by serving them a complete package, while fulfilling its role as a public service broadcaster.”
The shows have a sprinkle of varied genres ranging from family drama, social dramas, romance to sitcoms, where issues like women empowerment and gender equality have been given unique place.
The ‘DD Dopahar’ shows that aim to capture the heart and mind of the Indian viewers are six shows – Amrita, Lakeerein Kiismat Ki, Ghanteshwar Prasad Ghantewale, Chitthi Tere Naam Ki, Anudamini and Yeh Shaadi Hai Yaa Sauda.
Amrita at noon is a heart-warming story of a widow, directed by Karan Razdan. The tale revolves around her obstacles of facing the cruel world and how she succeeds in the end. Watch out how Amrita personifies the saga of an Indian woman.
Directed by Paintal, Lakkerein at 12.30 pm is a story of Asha, an honest lawyer and Sohanlal, her father. It is a saga of human emotions, of family ties, of circumstantial upheavals, of the weak fighting the strong and emerging as the winner.
Ghanteshwar Prasad Ghantewale at 1.00 pm brings with him ladles of emotions, cups full of humour and a palate of wholesome entertainment. It’s an entertaining sitcom with Sudhir Pandey playing the lead, staged in a ‘Halwai Ki Dukaan’.
Chitthi Tere Naam Ki that follows is a romantic drama staged around a mystery of an undisclosed ‘letter’ found in a bottle in mysterious conditions by the main protagonist, Shivani.
Anudamini at 2.00 pm is a family drama, with turns and twists, showcasing how Indian parents marry off their daughter’s without focussing much on their education and well-being.
Yeh Shaadi Hai Yaa Sauda which follows this is a social drama, questioning the evil practices of selling daughters in the name of marriage. Plot revolves around Ambika, the lead protagonist, making women aware of their rights.
Sharan added: “As we are aware of the viewership base during the targeted mid-prime time, we are well equipped and ready with our new shows thus hitting the right chords at the right time.”
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.
