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Saam TV to see programming revamp as new editor joins
MUMBAI: One editor after another is quitting TV9 — for better growth prospects, is the official version. Umesh Kumawat, who had joined TV9 from ABP News, quit within a month and went back to ABP as a senior editor.
And now, TV9 executive editor Nilesh Khare has finally said goodbye to the channel that was performing almost consistently at No. 3 in the last few weeks in the Marathi news genre in a sweet, positive note to his editorial and production team. On informing him that his staff felt quite demoralised and let-down, he quipped: “They must be sad because I am one of them, unlike the leader sitting in a corner office.”
NDTV’s Abhishek Sharma is reportedly stepping into Khare’s shoes.
Starting his career at Tarun Bharat newspaper after doing his masters in journalism from the Pune University, Khare worked with Zee group as an anchor and then senior correspondent for around six years and special correspondent at ABP News for over nine years before becoming the managing editor of “Jai Maharashtra News”.
Confirming his exit to Indiantelevision.com after a lot of speculation, Khare, who helped TV9 propel from the fourth position to the third slot among Marathi news channels within 45-50 days of joining, said he would be joining Saam TV as the editor from 1 September. As to whether he would be moving out with a team of trusted lieutenants, he replied in the negative. “Wherever I go, I create a new team from the existing lot — people with new, different and unique ideas, and not legacy concepts,” he said.
At Saam TV, he said, his future news plan was to extensively cater to the information needs of youth, women and the farmer community. Khare, who ran a sustained news campaign at TV9 to get farmers their rightful due from the Maharashtra government, said he was keen to join Saam TV under the leadership of the managing director Abhijeet Pawar, who “has a unique vision for the channel — he has a new strategy beyond a 24-hour news channel.”
“The Maharashtrian viewers are not fond of sensationalism; they prefer news about people’s and state issues, and matters concerning our day-to-day lives,” he said matter-of-factly.
Khare did not confirm as to whether he would oversee the digital news at the Saam group. “The digital space is definitely significant and growing — within two years, I believe, approximately 30 per cent viewership would be cornered by the digital players,” Khare opined.
Without divulging details, Khare said he had a lot of programming plans which would help Saam TV grow from its currently fifth position to dizzy heights in a short span time. On being referred to as a master strategist, the hardcore journalist and ‘field reporter’ for several years was not amused. Offering no comment on the exit of Kumawat in a month, he said that the former had gone back to “our DNA — ABP News.”
Choosing not to comment on the recent controversial issues in the news space and the overall decline in the news viewership, Khare said he was only a part of the editorial board and not a part of the TV9 management. “I am not a believer of numbers — I primarily believe in quality and credibility of news; numbers are secondary,” he signed off.
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TV9 Marathi format has changed, says new editor Kumawat
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.
