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Prasar Bharati board meets to discuss issues
NEW DELHI: The Prasar Bharati Corporation board met here today to discuss various issues, but did not touch upon the subject of an imminent ouster of Doordarshan DG SY Quraishi in great detail despite the name of joint secretary (banking) in the finance ministry, Vinod Rai, doing the rounds of the Capital as a possible replacement of Quraishi.
According to sources in the Prasar Bharati, which oversees the functioning of Doordarshan and All India Radio, the issue of DG’s ouster, reported in a section of the media today, came as a surprise to some board members.
The reason for Quraishi’s departure, if it actually materializes, is being cited as political. But information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today refused to comment on the issue.
Vinod Rai, who is being tipped to be Quraishi’s successor, is a 1972 batch Indian Administrative Officer of Kerala cadre, but hails from the city of Gorakhpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Rai has also been empanelled for a promotion to the additional secretary’s post.
If Quraishi departs, over 12 months ahead of the scheduled end of his tenure, Prasar Bharati would have to hunt for a DG for Doordarshan from within the organization or amongst government officials who, if selected, will be on deputation.
Meanwhile, the Prasar Bharati board today discussed other matters , including those relating to a housing complex for the Corporation’s employees and the proposed news channel.
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.
