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Japan’s Nippon TV takes annual individual ratings Triple Crown
NEW DELHI: The new year has started on a happy note for Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multi-platform entertainment powerhouse. The channel has won the annual individual ratings Triple Crown title for 2020, emerging as individual ratings champion in the all day, prime time, and golden times categories.
This is the tenth consecutive year in which Nippon TV has earned the title. A new system was implemented this year, which measured individual ratings rather than the household ratings as was done previously. “Due to the spread of Covid2019, 2020 was the year in which we continually considered the question, ‘What can TV do for people now?’ Apart from providing fast and accurate news and information programmes, we took upon unprecedented challenges,” said Yoshinobu Kosugi, representative director, president, and executive operating officer, thanking viewers who supported the shows.
Kosugi said one such challenging decision was broadcasting entertainment shows during the ‘new normal’, including the 43rd season of 24-Hour Television. The goal was to provide wholesome entertainment programmes to give people hope and energy, while taking all possible measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
“In 2021, we hope for your continued support as Nippon TV rises to the challenge of offering more high-quality content across multiple platforms that include our linear, BS (broadcasting satellite), and CS (communications satellite) channels, as well as Hulu in Japan and our other digital streaming services,” he added.
Nippon TV is credited for producing the Emmy Award-winning Dragons' Den/Shark Tank, a globally successful business show format that has more than 40 versions in 186 territories across all continents of the world. Following closely are the successes of scripted formats Mother and Woman – My Life for My Children, whose Turkish versions have become megahits that have gone on to air in more than 40 territories around the world, a first for a format from Japan.
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.
