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‘Mann Ki Baat’ back on DD on public demand
NEW DELHI: Mann Ki Baat, Doordarshan’s television series on mental health issues presented by psychiatrists Avdhesh Sharma and Sujatha Sharma, will be back on public demand, 17 June onwards.
The series – which has earlier been telecast on DD National, DD Bharati and DD India – will now be aired every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. on DD 1.
Issues related to mental health, psychosocial issues, stress related problems, emotional and behavioral disorders in the various age groups as well as issues related to positive mental health and well-being will be the focus of the series, comprising 78 episodes. Each episode focuses on a specific topic with emphasis on understanding and seeking solutions for the problem concerned.
It has been found that about 25 per cent of the Indian population suffers from psychological distress/illness in their lifetime while countless others have sub clinical problems. It has also been found that humans do not use even 5 per cent of their potential powers of the mind, which can always be improved. Caring for the mind is a major responsibility and it is crucial and important to recognise early signs of psychological distress and address them immediately through self-help or seeking outside help so that it does not become a mental illness.
Mann Ki Baat was born out of the need to create a platform for awareness on mental health issues – both the ordinary ones that affect our daily lives and the not so ordinary issues like mental illnesses that may not directly affect us but someone we know or care for.
The series focuses on issues related to the mind and mental health of individuals and the society at large. The program is essentially a studio based discussion between the anchor and the experts in the field with inputs in the form of comments from general public, case studies as well as experts from different related professions.
The content for the series has been developed by Sujatha D. Sharma, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience who has also scripted several other television documentaries on mental health in the past. Avdhesh Sharma, a well known psychiatrist is the director and expert anchor of the series. Avdhesh has anchored and directed numerous health programs for the electronic media for over 30 years. Kanupriya, a well known media personality for nearly two decades, is the anchor of the present series.
The series deals with psychosocial issues spanning all ages, from mental stress in children and adolescents to marital problems of the elderly. It also deals with common psychological problems like depression, anxiety, suicide, sleep and eating disorders, alcohol abuse, myths and stigma about mental illness etc. There is a focus on self growth such as enhancing emotional intelligence, positive emotions and controlling negative ones.
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.
