News Headline
India TV connects viewers to Maha Kumbh through 24-hour CTV channel
MUMBAI: With all the glare of the spotlight on the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, can anyone be left behind? Obviously not. And especially, Rajat Sharma’s India TV.
The Hindi news channel which has been driving into connected TV channels has launched a of a 24×7 pop-up channel dedicated to the Maha Kumbh 2025 so that viewers can stay connected to the grandeur, rituals, and cultural essence of the world’s largest spiritual gathering.
The exclusive channel will feature over 1,000 hours of immersive content, offering a 360-degree experience of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Viewers can expect stunning visuals, in-depth reporting, and comprehensive coverage of rituals, cultural activities, and the spiritual energy of the event.
This marks India TV’s third pop-up channel on CTV, following its successful channels for the Olympic Games 2024 and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The move reinforces India TV’s commitment to delivering uninterrupted, engaging, and CTV-first content for its audience.
India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said: , “Maha Kumbh 2025 is one of the world’s biggest spiritual and cultural events, and India TV is proud to bring this exclusive viewership experience to our CTV audience. This initiative ensures that every viewer can connect with the rituals, celebrations, and spiritual essence of the Maha Kumbh from the comfort of their homes.”
India TV’s Maha Kumbh 2025 channel promises to provide a front-row seat to the event, blending expert reporting with rich storytelling, making it an unmissable experience for CTV viewers.
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.
