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Govt yet to work out details of Krishi channel, says I&B Ministry
NEW DELHI: Even as details are being worked out by Prasar Bharati in consultation with the stakeholders for a Krishi (farmer) channel as outlined by the finance minister Arun Jaitley in his budget, no definite timeframe has been fixed for commencement of the channel.
Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry sources said this will depend on availability of resources and manpower after the details have been worked out.
Jaitley had announced in his budget speech on 10 July that a sum of Rs 100 crore would be allocated for this channel. However, the budget for the I&B Ministry shows an allocation of Rs 90 crore for this in the year 2014-15.
Meanwhile, the Krishi Darshan programmes of Doordarshan are being telecast under the ‘mass media support to agriculture extension’ funded by the Agriculture Ministry focussing on dissemination of modern agricultural techniques by involving experts from various fields like insurance, banking, credit for farmers, state government schemes on agriculture/ fisheries/veterinary science/water and soil conservation/social forestry etc.
In addition, a recently introduced programme Mera Gaon Connection telecast at prime time on DD National also introduces modern agricultural techniques to the viewers.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Sanjeev Kumar Balyan told Parliament that the “mass media support to agricultural extension and focused publicity campaigns has been strengthened to reach out to all farmers including small and marginal.”
The audio and video spots and success stories are being aired through All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and private channels operating at the national and regional level.
The other component of the mass media initiative is the use of 96 FM Transmitters of AIR to broadcast area specific agricultural programmes with 30 minutes radio transmission in the evening six days a week. Focused advertisement campaigns which cut across all the divisions of the ministry have been continuing since July 2010.
The campaigns are being launched through print as well as electronic media to create awareness about the assistance available under various schemes of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.
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.
