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Sagar Arts’ ‘Ramayan’ sets record as globe’s most viewed mytho
MUMBAI: Nearly 16 years after creating mass hysteria, media moghul and patriarch of Sagar Arts Dr Ramanand Sagar’s mega serial Ramayan has recently found place in the Limca Book of Records as the world’s most viewed mythological (1987 till June 2003).
Sagar Arts marketing director producer Prem Sagar confirms that his company has got the Limca Book of Record certificates from Coca Cola India. The certificate has been signed by top officials of Coca Cola India and Limca Book of Records editor Vijaya Ghose.
The Limca Book of Records certificate signed by editor Vijaya Ghose says that 40 million Indian viewers watched the 78-episode serial on its first telecast. The repeat telecast was aired on 20 different channels in 17 countries on all the five continents at different times. It also quotes BBC statistics saying that the serial has been viewed by over 650 million viewers.
In fact, Sagar Arts has just come up with a “super economic model” of Ramayan DVD sets. Sagar Arts’ marketing director producer Prem Sagar confirms: “The entire set comprising of 16-DVDs each of which has digital surround (Dolby AC 3) sound and dialogues in Hindi with English subtitles costs $100. The original deluxe model costs $320.”
Appollo Asian Media and Entertainment, which has offices in Dubai, Toronto and Mumbai, will market the DVD sets.
The super economic model of DVDs also has Dr Ramanand Sagar’s foreword on the mega serial. Speaking about the Ramayan, Dr Ramanand Sagar says: “Hari Ananth! Hari Katha Ananta Ramayan to me is an endless and boundless source of inspiration. Just as every day showcases a new meaning and a new dimension, every scene of Ramayan inspires one to come up with new interpretations.”
Dr Sagar adds: ” Despite doing lots of research and background work, I feel as I am a novice and that is when I take refuge in the Ramayan. Ramayan to me is the divine grace of Shri Hari to mankind – it lights up the path in this journey of Manush Yoni. It guides mankind at every moment and teaches Dharma. It also teaches the true meaning of sacrifice so as to bring peace and happiness in man’s way of life. Everybody should breathe Ramayan; everybody should learn to live in Jai Shri Ram.”
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.
