News Headline
Sahara to launch English news channel for south
MUMBAI: The Subrata Roy promoted Sahara group has another news channel in the offing. This time the group is targeting the southern market with the new channel to be called Sahara Samay South. The group has been planning to pump in an additional Rs 2 billion (RS 200 crore) to fund the expansion plans.
The Sahara group, which has unparalleled network spread across the country, is gearing up to launch Sahara Samay South, which will beam in English, for southern viewers. The news channel is slated to be launched in the next three months, provided distribution and programming details fall in place by then.
While confirming the Southern foray, company sources said the group is not open to beaming in programmes in any of the southern languages. Given the fact that Sun TV has a strong foothold in the southern market, it will not be logical to venture into that market with the same language and make thecompetition tough.
Keeping in mind that the distribution team is still being formed, the sources did not disclose the launch date of the channel and refused to name the professionals who will form part of the core team.
Like the other regional channels from the Sahara bouquet, Sahara Samay Jharkhand, Sahara Samay Uttaranchal, Sahara Samay Bihar, Sahara Samay South will also telecast local news from all parts of the southern states.
The channel will broadcast hard news and showcase lifestyle programmes and local business news, which will form part of the programme line-up.
Interestingly, while media czar Kalanithi Maran of Sun Network will expand into the Bangla market, the Sahara India Media Communication is looking at spreading its wings in the southern market.
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.
