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SaharaOne aims to tap Gen X with ‘Buniyaad’
MUMBAI: Two decades ago, in the era of a lone terrestrial channel, Doordarshan, in homes, which had one black and white television set minus the remote control, came a serial called Buniyaad.
The Ramesh Sippy directed serial, Buniyaad – meaning foundation – literally laid the foundation of a milestone in Indian television history. That was in 1986. Today 20 years later, the serial is poised to make comeback on SaharaOne from 26 January at 8 pm.
In order to create awareness around the show, the channel will be unleashing a couple of below the line (BTL) activities in TRP cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.
Alok Nath, Ramesh Sippy, Kiran Juneja and Kanwaljeet reliving the moments at the relaunch party of ‘Buniyaad’
“We will be putting up screens in cooperative housing societies in these cities where we will air the show reel of Buniyaad. We are starting with about 10 screens initially. The challenge is to take it to the ground and generate as much hype as possible around the show,” said Sahara One Television COO Purnendu Bose.
Apart from this, the usual multimedia campaign comprising print, radio and cable will also be unleashed. “We are also doing some activity with cable operators wherein they too will be shown the show reel of the serial. Plus, we will also have promos on cable,” he said.
Another important aspect is that the show will be promoted on the internet in order to “capture the Internet savvy generation, who are not aware what the show is all about,” said Bose. Blogs, viral marketing and cross promotions on other websites will be a part of the Internet promotions around Buniyaad. Animated Buniyaad banners displayed on various portals.
A contemporary website steeped in old world charm on Buniyaad will also be launched, which will take readers down memory lane where they can read the synopsis of the serial, learn more about its cast and crew, download photographs of Buniyaad characters and also share their memories with like-hearted viewers-on the special Buniyaad blog.
Bose added, “With telenovella, game-shows being the order of the day, Buniyaad with its strong family value drama will bring back family TV viewing, that’s on the decline.”
In order to inform the media fraternity about the relaunch of the serial, the channel is sending out bricks (that symbolises foundation) with the Buniyaad logo on it.
SaharaOne Media and Entertainment Ltd CEO Shatanou Aditya said, “Re-launching Buniyaad, is SaharaOne’s way of acknowledging this soap as a benchmark in the history of Indian television. And we hope that it will recreate the same magic it did during its last run on television.”
Sippy said, “It is a great to have Buniyaad back on television. The subject and the show have always been very close to my heart. And I hope that the current generation would also enjoy it the same way as the elders.”
Buniyaad premiered in 1986 on Doordarshan and the 54 episodes show ran for a year. The cast included Alok Nath, Kiran Juneja, Kanwaljeet, Kulbhushan Kharbhanda, Abhinav Chaturvedi, Kruttika Desai amongst others.
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.
