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Ollywood TV to become satellite channel, September onwards
KOLKATA: Early this month, Odisha-based Sarthak Entertainment Group, launched general entertainment channel, Ollywood TV. While the 24×7 cable channel reaches almost all cable TV homes in Odisha, the group is now looking to make it a satellite channel starting September this year.
“We have got all approvals for setting up the satellite channel from September this year,” confirmed Sarthak Entertainment Group marketing manager Debi Prasad Padhi.
Meanwhile, Ollywood TV isn’t the only GEC from the group; another GEC, Sarthak TV, completed four years since its inception and has to its credit three mega serials, reality shows like Rajo Queen and Gruha Laxmi, and lots of new and entertaining content to satiate the Odiya TV viewer. “We are available across the country through different DTH platforms like Tata Sky, Airtel, Videocon and Dish TV. We aim to come up with many more entertaining programmes in the days to come,” said Padhi about Sarthak TV.
Quoting from the latest, week 16 report released by TAM on GECs in Odisha, Padhi said that Sarthak TV had gained big by reporting a gross rating point (GRP) of 207 points. While in the week 15, the GRP reported was 204 points.
Why another GEC when Sarthak TV is doing well as compared to other GECs in Odisha? “We want to launch new reality shows and serials apart from airing our own serials. We have more than 250 Odiya movies in our library. If there is anyone who can win in the GEC space in Orissa, it is the one who can entertain audiences via innovative formats,” said Padhi. “We are far ahead of others in the genre. In terms of content, people want soaps, drama, aspirational and progressive shows.” He further cited examples of serials doing well as ‘To Aganara Tulasi Mu’, ‘Pari’, ‘Badhu’, ‘Mahadev’, and ‘Prithviraj Chauhan’.
Three decades ago, there was very little scope for entertainment for the people of Odisha, but that has changed now. “We are the only organisation in Odisha equally successful in TV broadcasting, producing movies and music. We will continue to entertain Odiya speaking people even more in the years to come,” Padhi signed off.
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.
