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India-Pak ODI takes pride of place in ratings heap
MUMBAI: The last match in the India Pakistan one day series took no prisoners. Tam data C&S 4+ for the period 21-27 March shows that Ten Sports and DD’s coverage took the number one and number two positions respectively.
The news should not come as a huge surprise given the fact that the fifth match was virtually a final. This temporarily ended Star Plus’ domination which had been going on for a very long time since the glory days of Kaun Banega Crorepati. While Ten Sports coverage got a rating of 12.1 DD’s rating was only slightly behind with a rating of 12. This was for the evening session from 6:39 PM to 10:27 PM
What one needs to keep in mind is the fact that the achievement is all the more impressive given the fact that Ten was blacked out in Mumbai, Pune and parts of Delhi. In total the cricket coverage occupied nine positions in the top 20.
Looking ahead, the huge question for the Bukhatir broadcaster is – with the distribution scene in Mumbai in a chaotic state will the Mumbai cable operators agree to put Ten back on air once India completes their tour of Pakistan. The only seeming way out for Ten is to settle for the existing deals with the cable ops and forget about ramping up the numbers. The other issue of course is how the controversy will affect the rights to cricket coming out of India. These rights open in June.
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.
