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History TV18 unveils new documentary on India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’
Mumbai: History TV18 has announced the premiere of its new documentary, Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’, releasing on 23 October, 2023 at 8 p.m. The 40-minute documentary unravels the remarkable story of India’s ambitious ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing permanent water connections to 16 Crore rural households by 2024. The mission is set to quench the thirst of millions of Indians and prevent the impending water crisis in the country.
Narrated by renowned journalist Richa Anirudh, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ takes viewers on an inspiring journey that traces the beginning of India’s water revolution, which started in Gujarat. The film features personalities like Bharat Lal, (Former JJM Mission Director), Ashok Gulati (Agricultural Economist and Professor at ICRIER), Vini Mahajan (Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry – DDWS), Sunita Narain (Environmentalist – Centre for Science and Environment) and R. K. Sama (Project Director – WASMO, Gujarat), who highlight the tireless efforts of India’s ‘water warriors’, including the inspiring ‘Jal Sahelis’, dedicated ‘Pani Panchayat members’ and ordinary citizens who are making valuable contributions towards water security for all.
‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ transcends geographical boundaries as it travels from the parched valleys of Ladakh to traditionally water-stressed regions like Bundelkhand and Vidarbha. It explores the difficulties encountered in areas in and around the Thar desert, and urban coastal landscapes in cities like Chennai.
While the film highlights the daily struggles of people due to water scarcity, it also showcases the historic milestone of laying water pipelines that reach even the most remote and inaccessible corners of India, transforming ‘Har Ghar Jal se Nal’ into a people’s movement.
The documentary provides audiences with insights into India’s innovative ‘Water Model,’ a blend of traditional water wisdom and cutting-edge technology. It highlights the revival of traditional water sources, the construction of check dams and watersheds for rainwater harvesting, and the significance of ‘catching the rain where it falls, when it falls.’ The film also explains how technology is empowering individuals and communities while creating new opportunities for livelihood and financial security. It features large-scale projects for water management, desalination, and greywater treatment, as well as satellite mapping, climate-smart farming, and sustainable housing.
The Jal Jeevan Mission is not only shaping a sustainable and water-secure future for India but also serving as a global model for future initiatives.
‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ premieres on History TV18 on 23 October, 2023 at 8 p.m. and will also be made available on the factual entertainment leader’s YouTube channel.
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.
