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Euro aim to hop on to DD Direct+
MUMBAI: Some European channels like Euro News and Euro Sport News are looking at hopping on to Doordarshan’s DTH platform to increase visibility in India.
Indian pubcaster Doordarshan’s subscription free DTH service, DD Direct Plus, is aiming at having approximately 50 channels in a few months time and 100 channels by the end of 2006.
Presently beaming 32 TV channels, the DTH platform can accommodate another 17 channels in the next phase of expansion.
According to a senior DD official, “Some feelers have been sent by European channels like Euro News, but no final decision has been taken on them yet.”
The official added that considering DD has limited space on its DTH platform for the next phase of expansion, the short listing of new channels would take some time.
Standing in the queue to be part of DD Direct Plus include God TV, German pubcaster DW, Rai International 4 and Canada’s SS TV, apart from a host of Indian channels.
After launching over cable networks in India recently, some of the European channels are finding the market a tough nut to crack. Reason: limited bandwidth available with cable ops, which restricts accommodation of more TV channels.
The European channels are also on Dish TV, 20 per cent owned by Zee Telefilms. At the moment, DD Direct Plus, offering subscription free KU-band service, beams through NSS 6 satellite.
The channels on offer include all DD channels, apart from the likes of BBC World, Sun TV, Star Utsav, Kairali TV, Zee Music, Smile TV, Jain TV, Aaj Tak and Headlines Today.
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.
