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Prasar Bharati CEO: Prasar Bharati not opposed to private players’ entry in DTT
NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati has been in favour of opening up of the digital terrestrial transmission (DTT) to private players, but could not formalise the proposal owing to internal pressure.
“We had approved of DTT and allowing private players also to participate over a year back, but had faced resistance internally from certain quarters,” Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar said.
Sircar told indiantelevision.com in an exclusive interview that the pubcaster was asked (by the government) to prepare a base paper in this regard and draw up a business plan too.
“But this could not be done because of unfamiliarity with market conditions,” Sircar said.
Hinting that the pubcaster is aware of an impending move by broadcast carriage and telecoms regulator TRAI in starting a debate over DTT and possible opening up of the sector to private players, Sircar said if that should happen, it would not “affect Doordarshan’s plans.”
At the same time, Sircar added, private players, if allowed, did not have the acilities available with Prasar Bharati.
“Either the private players would have to invest in (transmission) towers or they would have to depend on the pubcaster for several things, including infrastructure,” Sircar explained, pointing out that this can result in additional revenue for the pubcaster.
Indiantelevision.com had earlier this month reported the government was exploring possibilities of throwing open the digital terrestrial transmission or DTT services for private sector participation.
That report had also indicated Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is expected to issue a consultation paper in this regard to start a public consultation.
As of now, terrestrial transmission – analogue or digital – is the monopoly of the pubcaster Doordarshan.
In an earlier story, indiantelevision.com had also reported that DD had commenced DTT services in 16 cities. DD move to also replace its analogue transmitters with digital transmitters will allow up to 8 channels to be carried from a single transmitter.
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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.
