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Future belongs to the consumer: Hathway’s Neeraj Bhatia
MUMBAI: The Rajan Raheja owned multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom, in which Star India holds 26 per cent equity stake, has announced that it is ready to meet the 14 July CAS deadline. The company officials reiterated their stand that “the future will belong to the consumer”.
While addressing an informal press meet in Mumbai, Hathway Cable and Datacom vice-president Neeraj Bhatia said: “In time to come, the cable trade would witness many changes, including customer service and friendliness.”
While speaking to indiantelevision.com, Bhatia said: “The future battles will not be about encryption technology, but will address issues such as customer-friendliness. The onus of communicating the look and feel of the future of cable television in India will rest on the cable trade.”
Initially, Hathway will provide encryption on a basic system using sophisticated computer software and hardware systems provided by its partners.
“Hathway systems will be scalable and will be geared for any future upgradations. Most importantly, the system will provide security against the undesirable malice of hacking. The subscriber management systems (SMS) have to be robust because customer satisfaction will depend on it as SMS will drive billing systems and, what we call, `provisioning correct service’. Most of the cable operators will strive to ensure that invaluable customer related information (such as billing related information and `requests’ aren’t lost due to disruptions or crashing of the systems,” Bhatia explained.
“Hathway has one million subscribers in Mumbai who are serviced through 13 control rooms. Since most of the cable operators affiliated to Hathway have “robust systems,they wouldn’t have to invest much in the infrastructure to deliver the digital feed,”” Bhatia pointed out.
“We have been offering 24-hour Internet services on our cable networks and that is a testimony to our state of readiness. Of course, we shall ensure strict compliance and do periodic checks to deliver quality services. We feel that the reception of FTA channels will improve post-CAS,” Bhatia said.
So, would CAS change the face of Indian cable television? Partly yes, as Bhatia felt that CAS will ensure that the Indian cable industry structure becomes more transparent.
This will be some relief because there hasn’t been a single new entrant in the cable business in the last few years.
Also read:
Hathway ready to meet CAS deadline; invests Rs 120-150m per city
Cable industry would do the trick: Hathway’s Neeraj Bhatia
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.
