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Nimbus, DD Sign Agreement for terrestrial telecast
MUMBAI: Nimbus Communications, the global media rights owner of Indian cricket up to March 2010, last evening reached agreement with national terrestrial broadcaster Doordarshan for the broadcast of all matches (Tests & ODIs included).
As decreed in the downlinking policy guidelines issued by the government, the revenue share for this series is 75:25 in favour of Nimbus. All commercial airtime on the India-England Series 2006 will be exclusively marketed by Nimbus.
With this signing, two of the three key parts of the upcoming India-England telecast picture have now been settled (as announced yesterday, the England territory rights remain with Sky Sports). All that now remains is the unveiling of the cable & satellite broadcaster for the India territory, which is expected anytime now.
Interestingly, Nimbus has made it clear that even in regards to the satellite channel, it will be the one managing the marketing of commercial airtime. Nimbus chief Harish Thawani remained tight-lipped on the satellite partner, saying that the announcement would be made in due course. As for Doordarshan, all matches (including Tests) will be telecast on the DD National network. The world feed (live coverage) will be provided to DD by Nimbus Sport, the BCCI appointed producer.
All commercial airtime on the India-England Series 2006 will be exclusively marketed by Nimbus thropugh its ad sales arm Nimbus Media Solutions. Commenting on the deal, Raju Udupa-VP Media Solutions said, “We are pleased to extend our association with DD with this landmark deal. This 10 match series is perhaps the biggest cricket series to be staged in India in a very long time. We believe it will break new ratings records.”
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.
