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Sony Aath retains third spot among Bangla GECs in 2021
Mumbai: Bangla general entertainment channel Sony Aath has retained the third position in terms of viewership across urban markets of West Bengal and Kolkata, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) data. The channel has also maintained its leadership in the morning prime slot between 10 a.m and 1 p.m and once again secured top position in both West Bengal Urban and Kolkata. (Source: Barc Market: West Bengal, TG: 2+, Period Wk 1-52’21, average weekly impressions).
The previous year was marked by new and unique offerings by the channel such as introducing a segment called ‘Hollywood Hungama’ that brought the best Hollywood titles to Bengali audiences. This included titles such as “Kong Skull Island,” “Godzilla” and the “Jurassic” series. The channel also premiered “Aladdin” in November adding to its content diversity. Besides new content, audiences continued to watch thrillers such as “CID,” “Crime Patrol” and family shows like “Gopal Bhar” and “Balveer.”
While the audience support has helped in maintaining the viewership share for the brand, it has also reflected upon its social media channels. Sony AATH garnered over 13.5 million subscribers and an average of 300 million views per month on its YouTube channel.
“It’s heartening to note that our viewers have loved our content offering, helping the channel retain its No. 3 position on the viewership chart of Bengal yet again,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief marketing officer and business head Sony Aath and English Cluster Tushar Shah. “This affection and performance make our commitment of providing nothing but the best even stronger for our viewers. New Year 2022 is going to see yet another eclectic mix of content offering from Sony Aath. And I am certain, we will continue to enjoy the confidence of our audience, as well as our business partners. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!”
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.
