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Farhan Akhtar helps DD series on women empowerment reach out on digital platforms
NEW DELHI: Actor Farhan Akhtar, who is UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador, has come on the Doordarshan seriesMain Kuchh Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon as the narrator to help address regressive practices such as sex selection, early marriage, early and repeated pregnancies, under-nutrition of girls, domestic violence and gender inequality prevalent in the country.
The programme was conceptualised and initiated by the Population Foundation of India and is telecast every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 pm on DD National.
Starring actress Meinal Vaisnav in the lead role of Dr Sneha Mathur, the series has been written and directed by renowned theatre and film director Feroz Abbas Khan and is currently into its second season.
Using a 360 degree communication approach, it has reached out to intended audiences through television, radio, mobile, social media and an intensive outreach strategy for Bihar and Madhya Pradesh to enhance knowledge, change perceptions and shift attitudes on these social issues, over the last two years.
The initiative has innovatively used the digital medium to educate communities and initiate discussions. It has already been endorsed by numerous celebrities, eminent policymakers and corporate leaders.
Every Media Technologies is helping the Population Foundation of India with the social media campaigns for this initiative.
Every Media Technologies CEO Gautam B. Thakker said, “The show is a pioneer in TV edutainment and our aim is to impact minds and bring about behavioural change. With fresh and creative campaign ideas, we have cut through the numerous conversations that happen online. It has been a great experience to be associated with a show like this and we thank PFI for the opportunity.”
Foundation executive director Poonam Muttreja added, “The show aims to highlight and educate the audience about various dilemmas that women face on regular basis. The digital space today is the most effective way to educate and garner support for the causes the show highlights. The social media team has brilliantly translated the strong messages of the show for the online space, and the social media campaigns have managed to achieve the right effect.”
Focussed on enhancing knowledge, changing perceptions and attitudes on women’s empowerment and the social determinants of maternal, reproductive and sexual health, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon has been able to bring about a measurable impact on knowledge and perception of viewers on issues like age at marriage, importance of family planning, sex determination and domestic violence, among others.
The most popular social media campaign was about age at marriage, which showcased a series of impactful posters in a bid to sensitise the audience, and reached 1,42,000 users on Twitter. Another campaign (#IPledgeNow) urging people to commit to fight evils like drug abuse, sexual harassment and domestic violence among others, attracted 7,100 Facebook users.
Among the ongoing social media campaigns by the initiative (in partnership with MARD) is the campaign called Desh ko badalna hai toh mard ko badalna hoga (#AsliMard), which urges men to create a woman-friendly world.
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.
