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New afternoon slot language serials on DD excel
MUMBAI: Universal Communications, a leading content production, distribution and marketing company, has obtained a good response for its new afternoon slot programmes on Doordarshan Trivandrum’s DD 4 (Malayalam), DD Chennai and DD Podhigai. The new programmes include Chandrodayam (Malayalam) and Pennurimai (Tamil). Parle Products and Nirma are the presenting sponsors for the programmes.
On DD Trivandrum and DD 4, Chandrodayam will be telecast in a new time slot starting 3:50 pm. It airs immediately after the number 1 serial Valayalam which has a rating of 20 in the 25 years plus females category.
Chandrodayam revolves around family values and highlights the importance of attachment and positive sentiments in relationships. The storyline of Chandrodayam is all about the difficult circumstances which create conflict and confrontation amongst the family members. Universal Communications spokespeople claim that the serial has obtained a good response due to its good production values.
Also shown in the 2:30 pm slot is a comedy serial called Detective Anand. Targetted at the female audiences, the serial has been shot on outdoor locales including the beaches in Kerala. Detective Anand has a rating of 18 in the females 25 years plus category, claim Universal Communication spokespeople.
Pennurimai is telecast on DD Chennai at 2:40 pm and has managed to get a rating of 6.4 in the females 25 years plus category. The title, which literally means women’s rights, is about a female protagonist who lives in a hostel and gets involved in the people who come to reside in the same premises. The female lead goes on to carve out a niche for herself in politics and fights for women’s rights.
Universal Communications also sells spots on DD Bangalore/DD Kannada for the prime time feature film on Sunday afternoon. On DD Mumbai and DD10 Sahyadri, Universal markets Marathi feature film on Sunday at 4 pm and Saturday at 3:30 pm; and Marathi comedy show Laurel & Hardy on Sunday at 6:30 pm.
“Universal Communication is also involved in production, distribution, marketing, buying, selling, import and export of feature films, television programmes, video films and other television software,” says Universal Communications MD Padmakar Nandekar who was responsible for the success of TV serial Jungle Book on National Network of DD1.
Nandekar was one of the key persons responsible for developing Friday & Saturday night films on DD1. In fact, these programmes make a major contribution to DD Mumbai’s revenues, he adds.
An official statement claims that the yearly turnover of the company is in excess of Rs 200 million. It is associated with all top advertising agencies and clients.
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.
