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Psychological series ‘Mind Matters’ to commence on DD Bharati in 78 episodes
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan’s cultural channel DD Bharati has commenced the telecast of Mann ki Matters (Mind Matters), a seventy-eight episode series on mental health awareness and stigma reduction which earlier had successful runs on both DD National as well as DD India.
The series in Hindi was made by Mind Vision Enterprises, developed by Dr Avdesh Sharma (consultant psychiatrist) and Dr Sujatha Sharma (consultant clinical psychologist) for DD National, reaching about 95 per cent television households in India. The series was beamed to about 140 countries all over the world.
The series consists of episodes of in-depth discussion of a particular issue with experts in the field and an in house expert, computer graphics for take home points, case stories and interviews with international and national experts. The topics are relating to Mental Health and Psychosocial Issues laying emphasis on self-help, early intervention, social support, holistic management and relapse prevention. The series involves inputs of more than 100 mental and social health experts.
The series is slated to start from 17 February everyday at 12 midnight, 8 am and 4 pm. Each day would have a new episode. Various subjects will be covered including solutions of stress relating to society, children at home and school, adolescence with parents, adolescence with peers and so on; managing negative emotions; abnormal behaviours and mental illness; myths of mental illness; stigma of psychological issues like anxiety, fears and phobias (Social phobias), depression and suicide, psychosomatic illnesses; psychology of pain; sleep and dreams; tobacco and smoking; alcohol and drugs; and addictions of internet/gaming/chatting/social networking.
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.
