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NCERT to use Doordarshan’s archival content for educational DVDs
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan (DD) has tied-up with the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to share and disseminate its DD archival content in the form of educational DVDs.
This novel project by NCERT aims at bringing forth a ‘Teachers Handbook in Dance, Music and Theatre’, which will be supported by multi-media packages and DVDs. This endeavor, directed towards teachers and students, will serve as multidimensional tool to disseminate arts in schools in an organised and effective manner.
As a first step, a MOU was signed today between Doordarshan Archives additional director general Anita Sinha and NCERT secretary Sudeshna Sen.
NCERT will identify and access the programmes available with DD-Archives. While DD will not charge NCERT for the programme content made available for the project, NCERT will pay for re-purpose, repackage and production of the identified programmes by NCERT.
NCERT will disseminate the final content at its own cost and not commercially exploit the same.
The MOU will initially be for a period of three years and could be extended by mutual consent.
The initial phase of the project would cover Theatres of India, National symbols of India, Indian Classical Music (Vocal & Instrumental) and Folk music and Dance.
This first-of-a kind project for Doordarshan is in sync with the Government’s directive to share with other Government Departments and Ministries its archival wealth, which could be utilised for public use.
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.
