News Headline
etc claims lead in Hindi speaking markets
MUMBAI: Music channel etc has scored a lead over recently revamped sibling Zee Music as well as other channels in the arena by grabbing a channel share of 30 per cent in the week ended 29 November 2003.
According to the channel, Zee Music was able to notch up a share of 18 per cent while lead contender MTV had a share of 23 per cent. Quoting TAM figures for all India C&S homes (four + age group), etc says Channel [V] had a share of 13 per cent in the same week and B4U had a share of 11 per cent, while distant rival CMM could muster a channel share of five per cent.
etc’s hold over the Hindi speaking markets (north, east and west) also overshadows the rest of the players, the channel contends. During the week ended 29 November, etc had GRPs of 16.1, while MTV was way behind at 13.16, Channel [V] was at 13.86, B4U at 7.84 and CMM at 5.11. Zee Music, the channel that comes from etc’s parent Zee, too boasted GRPs of 14.28.
Maintaining that etc had clung on to the number one position amongst music channels during this year, the channel says it had an average channel share of 35 per cent in the Hindi speaking (North, West and East) C & S homes, while rivals lagged behind – MTV at 16 per cent, B4U at 14 per cent, Zee Music at 16 per cent, Channel [V] at 12 per cent and CMM at seven per cent.
Even in reach, claims etc, the channel rules in Hindi speaking markets, with five per cent reach while closest rival MTV has three per cent reach. After its recent merger with another Zee subsidiary, Econnect India Limited, etc has launched three new shows featuring music recently.
Tarana, a half hour back to back compilation of upbeat tracks from the 1980s and 90s will be telecast from Monday to Saturday at 11 am. Dance Dance will showcase dance tracks from various films and pop albums. The songs on this show will range from folk to reggae to cabaret to love songs, and will be telecast at 4.40 pm Monday to Saturday.
Another new show, Pop Flashback will have a collection of old Hindi pop songs. This half hour compilation of peppy old fast tracks will be telecast every Monday at 8 pm with repeats on Tuesday at 2 pm.
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.
