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Miditech wins three awards at the Asian Television Awards
MUMBAI: Miditech, the production house run by Niret and Nikhil Alva has won three awards at the Asian Television Awards 2003.
The Great Descent, a 52 minute documentary, was judged the winner for Best Editing – Long Form category. This is the first time that an Indian, G. Ramachandran has won an award in this category.
G. Ramachandran wins the Asian Television Award for Best Editing – Long Form category for ‘The Great Descent’
Ramachandran says, “The most challenging editing task was reducing more than 48 hours of footage, shot on location by several camera units rolling simultaneously. The picture-postcard frames of the valley were inter cut with action packed white water rafting sequences. Parallel narratives and inter-cutting sequences added impact and were used to tell the story.”
The Great Descent was also highly commended for Best Direction – Long Form category directed by Chandramouli Basu. “It was fun to shoot despite the tough terrain and mad logistics,” says Basu.
The Great Descent is a documentary film on an international expedition down the Brahmaputra river. The team comprised internationally renowned white water enthusiasts from all over the world. Covering 160 kms down the river, which for all practical purposes, was an uncharted territory.
Bum Mein Dum, a youth game show produced by Miditech, was chosen under the Youth Programme category.
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.
