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Live Content on OTT: Challenges, Opportunities and Triumphs
Mumbai: Internet and Mobile Association of India’s (IAMAI) 18th India Digital Summit, was held at Jio Convention Centre, BKC on 27 and 28 February. Many dignitaries where present from the digital advertising and martech industry and also many session from various sector took place. One such highlighting session was the fireside chat which dwelled deep into the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs of live content on OTT in India. The chat was moderated by sports broadcaster Mayanti Langer and featured Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd CEO (Sports) Anil Jayraj. The event provided a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving OTT landscape in the country and also the exponential growth of sports content especially cricket.
The session kicked off with an exploration of the challenges plaguing the OTT industry in India. From technological hurdles to content censorship regulations, Jayraj shared about the obstacles hindering the seamless delivery of live content to consumers. Issues such as bandwidth constraints and infrastructure limitations were also addressed, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to ensure uninterrupted streaming experiences for users across diverse demographics.
Jayraj also shed light on the opportunities awaiting OTT platforms in India. With the growth of digital penetration and the rising popularity of smartphones, the country presents a fertile ground for content creators and distributors. The chat explained the importance of personalised content recommendations, user engagement strategies, and monetisation models tailored to the Indian market.
Against the backdrop of challenges and opportunities, the session celebrated the triumphs of OTT platforms that have successfully carved a niche in the Indian sports ecosystem. From sports events to music concerts, the power of live streaming in fostering real-time interactions and community building was evident.
As the session drew to a close, participants were left with a sense of optimism for the future of OTT in India. With advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors reshaping the way content is consumed and distributed, the journey ahead promises both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the ecosystem.
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.
