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EC rejects cancellation demand of PM’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on AIR, puts conditions
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) has rejected demands for putting off the national broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat until the Bihar elections are over, but said nothing should be said that will have a bearing on the state polls.
The demand had been made by the Grand Alliance formed in Bihar for the polls of various parties.
Meanwhile, Modi has once again offered to share recordings of the messages he receives from people on different issues for the next edition of Mann Ki Baat, which will be broadcast on All India Radio and linked channels on 25 October.
The Prime Minister has urged people to share their ideas for the programme on the MyGov Open Forum.
In a tweet he said: “Have an idea for #MannKiBaat programme this Sunday? Share it on the MyGov Open Forum. https://mygov.in/group-issue/give-your-inputs-prime-ministers-mann-ki-baat-25th-october-2015/”.
The Prime Minister has also invited people to share their voice messages for the programme on the toll-free number 1800-3000-7800. Selected voice messages may be included as part of the broadcast.
“Your voice on #MannKiBaat…dial 1800-3000-7800 and share your message. Some of them will be a part of the programmethis Sunday,” he tweeted.
The Mann Ki Baat broadcast this Sunday will the 13th edition of the programme and is scheduled for broadcast at 11 am.
The programme is broadcast live on the entire All India Radio network and Doordarshan channels. The programme would also be live-streamed on the YouTube channels of Prime Minister’s Office, Information & Broadcasting Ministry, and DD News. Regional language versions of this broadcast will be aired by AIR stations in respective regions at 8 pm the same day.
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.
