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IBF targets surrogate political ads
NEW DELHI: Some surrogate political advertisements on various TV channels, including those in South Indian languages, may just go off the air from mid-day on Monday.
Feeling that they are likely to get caught in between the crossfire of the government and the Election Commission, the broadcasters have decided to take their own initiative regarding political ads that are being put on air by front organizations of parties.
According to information available with indiantelevision.com, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), apex body of broadcasting companies operating
in India, are meeting on Monday morning here to discuss the issue of surrogate political ads and the controversy that it has generated.
The IBF is likely to take a stand on the issue and would advocate restraint on the part of the members on this issue.
Claiming that IBF would urge its members to “follow self-regulation”, a source in the organization said, “Before the government or the EC cracks down on channels, which may put a stop to some additional revenue that is likely to flow in from political parties, it is better that broadcasters
screen political ads, surrogate or otherwise, to ensure no personal attacks are made and limits of decency are not crossed.”
However, a final shape of this initiative would only emerge after the meeting where members would discuss various modalities. Some members who would not be able to make it to the Delhi meeting would be contacted over
phone for their personal views on the issue.
On a complaint filed by the Congress Party, the Election Commission on Saturday directed the government to revert with an action taken plan by Monday on some ads that are doing the rounds of TV channels and, which
Congress feels, is an unjust, indecent and direct attack on its president, Sonia Gandhi.
The government can direct TV channels to stop airing certain ads under the programming and advertising code of the Cable TV Network (Regulation) Act, 1995. But since the ad in question, which has upset the Congress, has been put out by an organization whose links could be traced back to some senior members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the government finds itself in
a bind.
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.
