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PM Modi’s lockdown extension address got 4 bn viewing mins
MUMBAI: Prime minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation regarding the first extension of the lockdown on 14 April garnered four billion viewing minutes, as per latest data released by BARC-Nielsen.
This address garnered the highest viewership among his four addresses to the nation regarding COVID-19. In his recent address, PM Modi announced that the nation-wide lockdown will be extended till 3 May.
The lockdown extension speech received 3937.3 million viewing minutes while the earlier one on 3 April got 1024.5 million viewing minutes. The PM’s first lockdown announcement on 24 March got 3862.9 million viewing minutes, the second-highest among the four.
The latest 25-minute address of the prime minister was shown on at least 199 channels with over 200 million people watching it. The recent address was the most important one compared to the three previous addresses, as PM Modi was about to speak on the future of lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
PM Modi’s first address (Janta Curfew) on 19 March had garnered over 1.2 billion viewing minutes. In his second address, he announced the 21-day lockdown, which helped gain over 3.8 billion viewing minutes. The third address was only able to achieve 1 billion viewing minutes, during which he urged citizens to light a lamp and candles to stand together in India's fight against the pandemic.
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.
