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IPL 8 records 145 million unique viewers for first 14 matches
MUMBAI: The official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League (IPL) – Multi Screen Media – has reason to rejoice.
According to TAM Media Research data for Sony Max, Sony Six and Sony Aath for the matches played during 7 – 18 April, the eighth season of the IPL saw 54 per cent of the All India Universe tuning in to watch the matches. A total of 145 million unique viewers sampled 14 matches of IPL 8.
As teams battle it out, TAM research data also showed that time spent by viewers per match increased to 49 minutes and four seconds; which is 17 per cent more compared to the previous season of the IPL.
Compared to the 14 matches of IPL season seven, which received an average of 8,430 TVTs, this season saw an average of 11,050 average TVTs being registered, which is a jump of 31 per cent.
The data also states that 14 matches of IPL 8 have garnered 4.1 per cent average TVR, which was 30 per cent more compared to its previous edition.
Note: Data excludes the opening ceremony and is for the TG CS 4+ Years. The market is all India and for the period from 7 to 18 April, 2015. The channels covered under the same data are Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony Aath and the recently launched MSM channel Sony Kix. Data for Sony Kix began from 10 April onwards.
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.
