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Shark Tank-like govt-run show to tie up with TV prod house
MUMBAI: India’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), on 4 March, gave a primary in-principle approval for a government-made reality show on the terms of American TV show Shark Tank so as to give a fillip to the startup culture.
The DIPP may allow public voting so as to decide the ‘Most Popular Startup’, the Indian Express reported. At a 9 November 2016 meeting, it was also decided that 60 finalists will be given a reward of Rs 10 lakhs each.
Shark Tank is a popular American show features a panel of potential investors called ‘sharks’ who consider offers from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking investments.
The programme, to be simultaneously broadcast on the pubcaster Doordarshan, radio and digital platforms, would have startups pitch to an investors’ panel for impromptu investments.
The DIPP plans to partner with a TV production house to oversee the implementation, production and execution of the TV show. The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) may be the coordinating agency for managing daily operations.
The first round of evaluation is set to take place in seven cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore and Guwahati. In all, 440 participants would be selected, of which 35 would be declared as “regional winners”. These winners would further proceed to the second round of evaluation or the “grand finale”.
DIPP secretary Ramesh Abhishek said that the department is facing finance issues. NASSCOM told the government the show would require a budget of Rs 64 crore. While Rs 34 crore may be raised from states and sponsors, the DIPP would have to invest approx Rs 30 crore from their side.
The show will be simultaneously aired across a number of platforms to “allow greater reach and connect with both the urban and rural audience across different sections of the society”.
While the DIPP will have complete rights over the programme, NASSCOM may ‘managing’ day-to-day operations. “For implementation, a task force will be constituted with a partner leading in each region, who will be responsible for the execution of the entire show. This will include running day to day operations and for management of all deliverables, timelines, agencies and interfacing regularly with all sponsors and partners in each of the regions,” the DIPP note says.
The proposed partners for north, east, west, south and central regions are — FICCI, The Indus Partners (TiE), Indian Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Parks and Business Incubator Association (ISBA), NASSCOM, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), respectively.
A steering committee to oversee the programme management would include representatives from NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the HRD Ministry, and Department of Biotechnology, as well as Axis Bank and Yes Bank.
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.
