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Prasar Bharati issues order on carriage of DD channels
Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) appears to be unhappy with the degree of compliance (or lack of it) by cable operators regarding carriage of national broadcaster Doordarshan’s channels on their feeds.
That would go some way in explaining an order issued yesterday demanding that cable operators carry DD channels on the prime band of their feeds or face the consequences. Especially since the order is just a restating of something already in place.
To reiterate:
As per the Cable Television Network(Regulation) Amendment Act 2000, it is mandatory for each cable operator to transmit, using only Satellite Signals, the following three Doordarshan Channels in the Prime Band: DD-1 (National ), DD-2 (Metro) Channel and regional language satellite channel of the state or DD (News & Current Affairs) Channel as notified in Gazette notifications dated 13th September, 2000 & 29th January, 2001.
Non-compliance, is a punishable offence. Viewers are advised to inform the district magistrate or sub-divisional magistrate or the commissioner of police or the head of local Doordarshan Kendras, if they do not receive the signals of the above channels on the prime band.
The prime band constitutes frequencies relating to channels falling in the Band I (Channels 2 to 4 ranging from 47 to 68 MHz) and Band III (Channels 5 to 12 ranging from 174 to 230 MHz) of electromagnetic spectrum, which are receivable by conventional TV sets without using add-on unit or special tuner.
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.
