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Sahara’s Prasad strikes discordant note on CAS, irks IBF members
NEW DELHI: Divisions seem to be appearing within the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), the apex body of broadcasters operating in India, even as Sahara TV president Mahesh Prasad’s nomination on the task force on conditional access has been questioned by some members of the IBF.
At an emergency meeting of the IBF’s board yesterday, also attended by the London-based Mark Young, managing director (EMEIA), BBC Worldwide, the issue of Prasad’s nomination to the CAS task force came up, along with other matters, and, according to the Foundation sources, there were some “uncomfortable moments.”
The sources pointed out that some members were upset with Prasad’s reported stand on CAS that is contrary to that of the IBF and his “continued rigid stance that he would speak his mind at the task force meetings.”
When contacted by indiantelvision.com, Prasad — who did not attend yesterday’s task force meeting also — did not want to comment initially on the issue of his nomination saying, “Since I did not attend yesterday’s meeting, I have to get a full report what transpired before I can comment.”
But, when asked whether his alleged “rigid stance on CAS” is upsetting IBF members, Prasad retorted, “IBF is not God that I have to follow what it says. I am at liberty to speak my mind and what is fair for free to air channels.”
Incidentally, Prasad is the only member of the task force who represents a free to air channel, while the other representatives from the broadcasting sector are from companies that run subscription-based channels.
The other IBF nominees on the task force are Manu Sawhney, head of ESPN India, Shantonu Aditya, head of distribution Sony Entertainment TV and chief of One Alliance and the latest to join the bandwagon is Star India’s chief executive Peter Mukerjea, whose candidature for the task force was okayed by the IBF board yesterday.
The IBF sources also pointed out that Prasad is to be sent an official letter where it would be asked that he apologises for his comments. The sources, quoting partly from the letter to be sent to Prasad, said, “The board of IBF took a view that nominees of CAS task force shall speak in one voice and if Mr Mahesh Prasad has a different view from the majority of the members of IBF, the president will be constrained to withdraw his nomination from IBF as one of the members of the task force.”
When asked on this aspect, Prasad said, “The IBF does not have the moral authority to do any such thing and I’ll continue to speak my mind. Anyway, I have not received any intimation from the IBF yet.”
At a time when pre-CAS plans are going through a difficult phase with consensus on important issue eluding, this difference of opinion on CAS within IBF may make things more complicated.
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.
