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Republic Day; Choreographer Narendra Sharma & author R K Narayan brought to life by DD
NEW DELHI: Even as preparations are in full swing for the Republic Day parade, DD Bharati has commenced telecast of ‘Gantantra Diwas Samaroh Ki Gaurav Yatra’ at 4 pm every day, which comprises the archival footage of the parade till 2013.
In association with Vigyan Prasar, DD Bharati has commenced daily telecast of ‘Vigyan Ke Pathik’ from 9 January at 5 pm, repeated next day at 1 am and 9 am. Each episode is devoted to one great scientist work and his or her contribution. Some of the scientists include JC Bose, KS Krishan, PC Ray, Charles Darwin and S Chandrasekhar.
Earlier this month on 1 January, the channel commenced the lively environment series ‘Wild Adventure’ at 10 pm every Thursday, repeated next day at 6 am and 2 pm. The series combines the adventures of ballooning with the art of wildlife filmmaking. In the series, they spanned the length and breadth of the sub-continent, covering as they go an entire array of wildlife, nature and the impact of humans on the environment. The series was shot with a large crew with support from the government of India and the Forest Department.
DD Bharati presented a special programme on contemporary dancer and choreographer Narendra Sharma from 11 January at 10:00pm, repeated next day at 6 am and 2 pm to mark his 90th birth anniversary. This is a specially curated programme about his contributions and will be aired from 11 – 14 January. The programme is a tribute to this great master who extended the horizons of movements and beyond with his choreographies and artistic vision. The programme compiled and curated by Dr Arshiya Sethi schedules some of his master works like “Antim Adhyay”, “Flying Cranes”, “The Awakening”, “Conference” etc and also shares a conversation with this great art visionary.
In a conversation with Indiantelevision.com, Dr Sethi says, “Narendra Sharma died on 14 January, 2008. Had he been alive, we would have been celebrating his 90th year. The immense body of his work in a pioneering language of dance needs to be saluted. This is our salute to him.”
The popular Malgudi Days based on the works of R K Narayan is being telecast starting 12 January at 7 pm, repeated next day at 3 am and 11 am. Narayan describes how in India ‘the writer has only to look out of the window to pick up a character and thereby a story’. Malgudi Days is the marvelous result. Narayan portrays an astrologer, a snake-charmer, a postman, a vendor of pies and chappatis – all kinds of people, drawn in full colour and endearing domestic detail. And under his magical touch the whole imaginary city of Malgudi springs to life, revealing the essence of India and of human experience.
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.
