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SC dismisses Bradford’s petition on ‘Karishma’ telecast
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed American novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford’s petition challenging a Calcutta High Court order allowing telecast of mega serial Karishma: A Miracle of Destiny on Sahara TV, but set aside the order imposing heavy cost and damages on her.
This has paved the way for a smooth telecast of one of the biggest serials ever to be made in the history of Indian television till date. On the serial also hinges a lot the future of Sahara Manoranjan that is battling to gain eyeballs and advertising revenue from the likes of Star Plus and Sony.
The channel has been airing the series without much fanfare at the originally scheduled time slot of 9.30 pm weekdays since 21 July, when the Calcutta HC allowed Sahara to go ahead with the telecast. The broadcaster however did not publicise the second soft launch (the first, originally scheduled launch was on 12 May which was aborted after the first episode after Bradford petitioned the Indian courts). Industry sources say it was to pre-empt any further legal obstacles that Sahara took the decision to start telecasting the series as soon as the High Court cleared it.
Bradford had petitioned the Supreme Court immediately after the Kolkata HC directed her to pay damages to the channel for the losses suffered by it in not being able to telecast the series thus far. Today’s SC verdict puts the seal on Bradford’s petition, although the blow has been softened by repeal of the payment of damages directive.
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.
