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Roy’s news channels named NDTV India, NDTV 24X7
MUMBAI / NEW DELHI: You have to give it to Prannoy Roy and his TV software company-soon-to-turn-broadcaster NDTV. Roy’s become an institution in the news business but accessing information about his news business is no mean task.
After weeks of intense speculation as to just what would be the names of the two news channels that will be launching come 1 April, the truth is finally out. The Hindi news channel has been titled NDTV India (the India is written in Devanagiri script). And get this, NDTV 24X7 is what the English news channel has been christened.
According to some in the industry 24X7 was a name suggested by Anne White. She is with the Los Angeles-based TAG Creative Brand Solutions that designed the company’s new “bindi-centred” corporate logo in collaboration with NDTV’s design team. However, those in the know say it was the Roys, whether Prannoy or his wife Radhika is not clear, who plonked for 24X7.
It may be recalled that earlier speculation had centred around NDTV News as the name of the English news channel while and NDTV Samachar was the Hindi one.
The two channels, as per Roy’s assertions during a rare interaction with journalists last month, will not be launched in a phased manner, but simultaneously. NDTV’s five-year content deal for Star News channel with Star ends on 31 March 2003.
Also read:
NDTV pulling all stops for channels’ launch
NDTV unveils new corporate logo
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.
