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Old shows, new sparks as Waves OTT lights up Diwali nostalgia
MUMBAI: Some memories never buffer. Waves OTT, India’s national freemium streaming platform powered by Prasar Bharti, is taking viewers down memory lane this festive season with its heartwarming campaign, “Diwali ki Yaadein”. Conceptualised by Creativeland Asia, the film rekindles India’s shared nostalgia through the glow of old screens and the warmth of family bonds.
The campaign tells a tender story of a daughter and her mother separated by distance but united by memory who rediscover their emotional connection through the superhit classics they once watched together. Now streaming on Waves OTT, those timeless shows Fauji, Byomkesh Bakshi, Malgudi Days, and more return as the heartbeat of an era, inviting both long-time fans and first-time viewers to experience their charm anew.
Through this campaign, Waves OTT captures the emotional essence of Diwali as more than a festival of lights, it’s a season of belonging, of sitting together, of laughter echoing through living rooms. The film’s warm, nostalgic tone taps into the collective memory of an India that grew up around a single TV set, waiting eagerly for its favourite evening show to begin.
Crafted with an old-world charm, “Diwali ki Yaadein” shows that while technology has changed how we connect, the emotions remain timeless. Whether it’s Fauji’s youthful energy or Byomkesh Bakshi’s cerebral intrigue, Waves OTT brings back the spirit of Indian storytelling that once defined national evenings.
The campaign extends across social media, with the film streaming on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube, allowing audiences everywhere to join in the collective celebration of India’s television heritage.
By bridging the old with the new, Waves OTT is not just reviving nostalgia, lighting up memories, one classic at a time. Because this Diwali, it’s not just about lights, camera, action, it’s about lights, connection, affection.
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.
