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Puthiya Thalaimurai goes all out on election coverage
MUMBAI: The newcomer in the news industry of Tamil Nadu, Puthiya Thalaimurai had quite some things to prove and even more so with the general elections being its first attempt at covering elections.
The channel, like others planned a full-fledged election coverage for its viewers. For pre poll, an expert panel of chief election commissioner TS Krishnamurthy, Madras High Court judge Vallinayagam and a few others was constituted who dealt with the authenticity of the information.
A team of 400 people including journalists, editors, camera crew, graphics team and production crew were involved in the coverage. Six extra cams and six Live U units were hired for the one and a half month period. 16 May saw 12 hour live coverage from 21 places across the country and discussions with 36 panelists. The graphics team of 10 people came up with 3D graphics for counting day with separate teams dedicated to ticker updates, news updates, panel discussions, field reporting, counting centres, political and public reactions.
Special shows for election season was created. These included Ungal Thogudhi Ungal Pradhinidhi (your constituency, your representative), Modhum Vetpaalargal Kanikkum Vaakkaalargal (contesting candidates and predicting voters), Naattin Naadikanippu (pulse of the nation), Prachara Medai (stage set for campaign), 40thin Naadi thudippu (palpitations of 40), Ungal Thogudhi Ungal Vetpaalar (your constituency your candidate), Special Nerpada Pesu (speak out the truth), A Day with an M.P, Star Candidates, Therdhal Vaakkuruthigal 2014 (Election promises), Election Countdown, Magalirum Makkalaatchiyum (women and democracy). For Naatiin Naadikanippu chief ministers of the states of Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Kerala, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir were interviewed.
A line of sponsors were also set for the channel. While Ramraj was the presenting sponsor, Paragon was roped in as powered by sponsor. Apart from this, 11 associate sponsors that came onboard Puthiya Thalaimurai included: Aravind Life Style, Shakti Pumps, AML Steels, V Guard, Black Thunder, Excel Enginering College, GSK – Sensodyne, Udayam Dal, Popular Apalam, Ponvandu Soap, Menaka Caards.
The counting day saw three indoor and one open studio in Chennai along with reporting from various constituencies of Tamil Nadu such as Puducherry, Kovai, Trichy and Madurai apart from Delhi studio, BJP office, Congress office and Left office in Delhi. Reporters were also stationed at Trivandrum, Bengaluru and Hyderabad to give updates of the neighbouring states.
Says New Gen Media Corp CEO Shyam Kumar, “The expert team members guided and focussed on the authenticity of the information with their expert knowledge and experience. Their able guidance helped Puthiya Thalaimurai stand for what it is. Yet we believe in youthful ideas too. To keep track of the process, a young team was formed.”
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.
