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‘Kasautii…’ makes it to the top of the heap in ratings
MUMBAI: It hasn’t been an easy task, but Kasautii Zindagi Kay has finally ousted Balaji siblings Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii to lead the top 100 shows in C&S households in India in the week ended 17 May 2003.
While doing so, Kasauti…, which notched up a TVR of 9.6, also managed to push down Aruna Irani’s Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, which had been having a steady climb up the ratings ladder, culminating in the coveted number one position last week (for week ended 10 May 2003). But today belongs to Kasautii…., which has been twisting and turning its storyline steadily in the last few months, notching up viewer curiosity and consequently some solid audience loyalty.
Kasautii.’s rise to the top also justifies Star’s programming head Tarun Katial’s belief in the serial’s potential. In an interview with indiantelevision.com in October 2002, Katial had said that Kasauti…. could even surge ahead of Kahaani…. (then the Number Two soap), and that this climb would be facilitated by the strengthening of the storyline.
Kahaani…. meanwhile seems to slipping in the ratings even as Kyunki…. continues to hold its own. Kahaani…. was last seen at the top of the heap in the week ended 3 May, but is down at number 7 this week, with a TVR of 8.9. Kasautii…. at the time had bagged three of the top 10 slots on Star Plus’ top shows for the week. Irani’s Des Mein…which had rarely slackened from the top 10 spots, last week outdid itself and reached the number one position with a TVR of 10.9, only to slip down to number five in the latest ratings with a TVR of 9.3.
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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.
