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Doordarshan’s R-Day broadcast notches up record TV viewership
NEW DELHI: Pubcaster Doordarshan notched up record viewership of 38.3 million for the live telecast of India’s Republic Day celebrations, including the impressive parade by armed forces and civilian organisations, in the presence of special guests from 10 Asean countries, apart from bigwigs of the country’s political system.
Not only did DD record high audience data for the R-Day telecast shown simultaneously across its 22 terrestrial and satellite TV channels, but the gross figure, too, stood at 45.4 million. The 90-minute odd show, conceptualised to celebrate the Indian republic and its evolution through the years since 1950, was captured via 38 cameras this year.
According to DD’s parent Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash, six cameras were deployed beyond central Delhi’s India Gate (the parade passes through some of the arterial roads from the India Gate roundabout) to capture a panoramic view for the telecast that was also beamed in HD format apart from the regular SD broadcast.
After BARC India released its weekly audience data last week highlighting the pubcaster’s R-Day broadcast, DD Director-General Supriya Sahu in a series of tweets said: “India trusts Doordarshan, the Public Service Broadcaster with events of national importance. Undeniable proof of people’s faith and confidence. Thanks to all our viewers. Million thanks dear viewers for watching and appreciating DD coverage of the Republic Day parade. It’s your love and affection which drives our team to do their best. We are nothing without you.”
Republic Day telecasts not only helped DD viewership soar, but also shored up audience data of English and Hindi-language TV news channels as many private channels re-telecast DD-generated feeds from various locations of the official celebrations.
The impressive show by DD, which pulled out all the stops for the coverage and telecast of the R-Day 2018 celebrations beamed live on digital platforms, including YouTube, too, once again highlighting the pubcaster’s massive reach that continues to remain under-exploited and is reflected in the annual revenues generated by the national network.
Over the last 24 months, however, under chief executive Shashi S Vempati, and Sahu, DD has been attempting a series of initiatives to not only modernise itself, but also infuse fresh programming ideas for the network channels to up generation of revenue too, apart from living up to its objectives as a pubcaster.
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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.
