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Malayalam news channel Indiavision launches Monday
MUMBAI: IndiaVision, which claims to be the first exclusive television news channel in Kerala, is to simultaneously launch today from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and the United Arab Emirates.
Indiavision is promoted by Indiavision Satellite Communications Ltd, a public limited company, and vows to uphold secular and democratic values in its mission statement.
In a bid to cater to the English speaking Malayalee, the channel plans to have 30 per cent of its programmes in English.
Indiavision claims it will have a technological edge over the other regional channels because, apart from Kerala and the whole of India, Indiavision will be beamed throughout the Middle East. The channel can also be viewed in Europe, and the USA, where Indian language broadcasts are so far largely non existent. By this, Indiavision will reach a sizeable Keralite NRI population of the 15 million and odd overseas Indians. Special “Gulf Focus” bulletins and programs targeted at the sizeable Keralite population there are also planned.
The entire chain of operations – news gathering, studio production, post production, uplinking and downlinking of signals – will be configured on a digital platform, a company statement says. The channel will also have fully equipped Mini-OB vans deployed throughout Kerala, so that the ‘live’ element is predominant, the statement adds.
Dr MK Muneer, the minister for public works in the present cabinet of Kerala state, is the company chairman. MT Vasudevan Nair, eminent filmmaker, writer and journalist, heads programming, TK Vibhaker, formerly vice-president of Asianet, is the COO, while Nikesh Kumar is the executive editor.
At present, Kerala has four television channels — Asianet, Surya, Kairali and Jeevan.
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.
