News Headline
IPL 2019: Star India clocks 283 mn viewers in opening week, up 15% from last season
MUMBAI: Star’s strategy of widening appeal of VIVO IPL across regions, languages, with focus on families and youth has resulted in a historical opening week in the tournaments 12th edition both in terms of reach and viewership. The high decibel marketing campaign ‘Game Banayega Name’, curated programming and a multi-city VIVO IPL Trophy Tour, contributed to making the opening week a grand success.
The inaugural week of the VIVO IPL 2019, recorded a historic opening with 283 million viewers tuning in across the country, which is 15 % higher than last year. Television viewership reached a phenomenal 33.1* million average impressions registering a growth of 28%* setting a viewership record in the history of the tournament.
Taking IPL to India
Regionalization fuels growth – HSM grew 32% and South grew 19% versus last year. This growth can be attributed to the massive regionalization efforts, as the tournament is being broadcast in 8 languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali including Marathi and Malayalam on Sundays. Star has expanded the appeal for the tournament further inviting kids and family with a curated feedcalled Super Funday, telecast every Sunday on Star Gold. This contributed a massive growth of 41% in viewership amongst kids versus last year.
VIVO IPL 2019 on Star continues to have the best in class and largest congregation of commentators and experts for all kinds of fans including the core cricket aficionado who enjoyed the action on Star Sports Select with #SelectDugout. The opening week is a historic first in many ways and the world’s toughest T20 tournament was enjoyed by all members of the family including children and women.
The opening week of IPL sure has set the tone for an exciting summer of cricket coming up on Star.
* Source: BARC (TV + OOH), Only Match Telecast Hours considered
** For the growth vs last year, comparison has been done with Star Channels excluding DD on TV versus TV+OOH of this year IPL Channel Bouquet in 2019 – Asianet Plus, Star Suvarna, STAR Suvarna HD, Jalsha Movies, Jalsha Movies HD, Star Maa Movies, STAR Maa Movies HD, STAR Gold HD,STAR Gold, STAR Pravah, STAR Sports 1,STAR Sports 1 Tamil, STAR Sports 1 Kannada, STAR Sports 1 Telugu, STAR Sports 1 Bangla, STAR Sports 2(v), STAR Sports 1 Hindi, STAR Sports 1 HD,STAR Sports 2 HD(v), STAR Sports 1 HD Hindi, STAR Sports Select 1 HD, STAR Sports Select 1 SD, STAR Vijay Super, Hungama.
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.
