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ETV Bangla inducts Hitesh Anil Unadkat in its sales team
KOLKATA: ETV Bangla, a regional general entertainment channel (GEC) under the belt of Network18 has appointed Hitesh Anil Unadkat in its sales team. Unadkat who has earlier worked as deputy vice president –advertising sales at Zee Entertainment Enterprise, has already taken up the new role at ETV Bangla from 15 May.
While the Bengal GEC market is mainly dominated by Star Jalsha and Zee Bangla, ETV Bangla is now aiming to penetrate more households. The channel is not only producing original content to increase viewership, but is also making managerial changes to ensure better output.
Unadkat is not the first one to join ETV Bangla from Zee Bangla. It can be recalled that around three weeks ago, the channel had appointed Sujay Kutty as its business head, who had also worked with Zee Bangla as its executive – vice president, business head.
When ETV Bangla officials were contacted, they confirmed the appointment of Unadkat but could not mention his exact designation.
So is ETV Bangla becoming a threat to the GEC leaders in the state? Answers a city based media expert, “ETV Bangla is trying all the means to capture the market in Bengal. It has earmarked crore of rupees for creating original content under the band ‘Duranto Dupur’. Money brings more money. The investment by TV18 is big and it expects a bigger return too.”
ETV Bangla’s programming roster comprises ‘Prathamar Rannaghar’, ‘Jhalak Dikhlaja Bangla’, ‘Ranga Mathaye Chiruni’, ‘Bigg Boss Bangla’ and Sadhok Bamakhyapa among others.
“The channel is spending a lot on original content. Looking at huge revenues, new appointments are likely to play a crucial role,” concludes the ETV Bangla official.
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.
