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Prasar Bharati bids farewell to chairman A Surya Prakash
MUMBAI: Pubcaster Prasar Bharati bid adieu to chairman A Surya Prakash in its 159th board meeting. Information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javdekar expressed his thanks and appreciation on Prakash’s completion of two consecutive terms in the office & felicitated him by remembering his valuable contribution to the organisation.
The pubcaster's CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati expressed, “On behalf of the entire @prasarbharati family would like to thank Chairman Dr A Suryaprakash for his leadership, mentorship, sagely wisdom and uncompromising commitment to the Institutional Integrity of Prasar Bharati over the past several years.”
He further said, “India's public broadcaster was adrift for more than a decade after it came into being as a statutory autonomous corporation. It was only after Prakash’s chairmanship that it has been firmly put on the path of modernisation as a 21st Century Public Media Corporation. This has been possible singularly because of Prakash’s progressive creed to infuse professional talent into the public broadcaster and his forward thinking on the need for the public broadcaster to be come digitally savvy.”
Vempati also expressed that many of Prasar Bharati's long pending knotty problems have been solved under his stewardship over the past few years with the board, ministry and management working in synergy with the oneness of mind and purpose. He will always be remembered for having stood like a rock in preserving Prasar Bharati's autonomy during testing times with the Institution emerging ever stronger as it strives to modernise and transform itself.
“Personally Prakash was a source of strength during turmoil and a voice of caution during impetuous moments. He will be sorely missed as he looks ahead to his next innings in public life with several more books and columns waiting to flow from his pen. Our best wishes to him and thanks and regards to his family who were kind enough to spare him for the cause of Public Service Broadcasting over the past several years,” Vempati concluded.
Prasar Bharati twitted, “Prasar Bharati Parivar conveys its warm wishes to its Chairman @mediasurya, who served two consecutive terms as the head of the Board. CEO @shashidigital & Member (F) @raj3eev felicitated him with a token of appreciation."
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.
