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Radio FM: govt announces 2nd list of bidders
NEW DELHI: At a time when most people in the media and broadcast industry were away on Christmas and New Year vacation, the government came out with the second list of would-be FM radio operators on Friday (30 December,2005).
The list of 14 companies included construction and real estate companies,apart from some traditional media outfits like an existing operator, Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd (Radio City).
In a statement, the information and broadcasting ministry said these companies were “qualified to submit financial bids,” for the regions and categories of cities indicated in their applications.
One hundred companies had expressed their intent to start FM radio operations in a two-phase licencing process, which offers over 300 frequencies in 91 cities of India.
The government said that another list of companies shall be announced within the next few days.
The companies that have been cleared by the government in the second list include Kalinga Builders Pvt Ltd, Mavis Satcom Ltd, Dynamic Tarang (P) Ltd, Silver Star Communication Ltd, Kushal Global Ltd, Singla Property Dealers Pvt. Ltd, Radio Mid-Day West (India) Pvt Ltd (GO FM), City Sound and Music Pvt Ltd, Clear Media India Private Ltd, Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd, SST Media Private Ltd, Mayajal Entertainment Ltd, Lahari Recording Company Pvt. Ltd and Cyberspace Entertainment Network Private Ltd.
The government had come out with the first list of 70 companies on 26 December, which included players like HT Music and Entertainment (in association with UK’s Virgin), the Anil Ambani-controlled Adlabs, Sri Adhikari Brothers (who used to own SAB TV), Rajasthan Patrika, an Essel Group company controlled by Subhash Chandra and Muthoot Finance.
Some international players like the British broadcaster BBC, Germany’s international broadcaster DeutscheWelle, Malaysia’s Measat and Rupert Murdoch’s Star have evinced interest in FM radio and are in the process of picking up equity in some of the Indian companies.
BBC’s proposal to have up to 20 per cent holding in Radio Mid-Day has already been cleared by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.
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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.
