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NE Bangla becomes Focus Bangla, changes logo
KOLKATA: News channels across the country are gearing up for one of the biggest events of the country – the Lok Sabha elections – and that’s the reason even the 24-hour Bengali news channel, Northeast Bangla has made changes in its overall look and feel. Two weeks ago, the channel switched to a new name – Focus Bangla – with an aim to reach more viewers in the region. It has also changed its logo with a promise to be “focused” in presenting unbiased news and create better impact.
The channel, with 150 employees on-board, is strengthening its position and is also recruiting more people in order to cover all the aspects of news, current affairs and the upcoming elections to make a mark in the region.
The new logo, unlike the old one which was simple and straightforward, is very symbolic – just a box with a red outline – bringing across the message that the channel has a “focused” approach.
The seriousness to create an impact on its audience is evident from the fact that the channel is even planning to move to a bigger studio at Topsia Road very soon.
“With the right team and the right programmes, we are now poised to execute on the near-term opportunities that will provide the foundation for our future growth and success,” says Focus Bangla editor-in-chief Biswa Majumdar.
Few years ago, the channel had created its own space with shows such as Khas Khabar. However, with the emergence of newer channels presenting better programmes, it soon lost its sheen.
However, in September 2013, NE Bangla inducted veteran journalist Biswa Majumdar, who was helming the operations of Kolkata TV, as the editor-in-chief. Majumdar is now set to bring on “impactful news” and interviews of big shots from the political arena to take the news broadcasting and entertainment network to another level.
Apart from the Khabar Aajke segment, the channel will have a separate Bollywood entertainment section and also a segment on health – Doctor Online.
To get a grip over the audience, the channel needs to work on its programming, believe media analysts. “It will all depend on the content of the programme and how biased they are towards parties and how different they can be from others in the fray,” he remarks.
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.
