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Sony BBC Earth brings sweet treats to your screen this Christmas
MUMBAI: In the magical spirit of Christmas, where the air is spiced with cinnamon and jingles play like sweet whispers in every corner, there’s one thing that never fails to unite us all—our love for Mithai (sweets)!
Whether it’s the nutty crunch of a Christmas toffee or the creamy swirl of a festive pudding, desserts are the real MVP of the holiday cheer.
This year, Sony BBC Earth has a delightful treat in store for all sugar enthusiasts with its festive anthology, All Things Sweet. Tune in on Christmas Day, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, for a jolly journey through the art and science of holiday confections that’s guaranteed to be sweeter than Santa’s cookie jar!
The anthology features select episodes of Inside the Factory and Inside Hotel Chocolat, taking viewers on an immersive journey into the production of iconic desserts. From ice cream to cakes and chocolate, the shows uncover the innovative processes that bring these festive staples to life.
The lineup begins with an exploration of ice cream, showcasing a family-run factory in Aberdeenshire. Viewers will learn about cream production, the science behind sprinkles, and the development of non-drip ice candies. The focus then shifts to cakes, featuring the making of the iconic jaffa cake, complete with zesty orange jelly, fluffy sponge, and rich chocolate.
In a special episode on chocolate, the spotlight turns to the meticulous craftsmanship that transforms cocoa beans into delectable chocolate bars. The episode dives into the science of flavour and texture, offering a visual feast of the chocolate-making process.
Other highlights include the high-speed production of 2000 mince pies per minute, a fascinating look at tinsel-making with Cherry Healey, and Ruth Goodman’s exploration of the explosive history of Christmas crackers. The journey concludes with the creation of grand chocolate sculptures, a true testament to culinary artistry.
Catch the magic of All Things Sweet on Sony BBC Earth this Christmas and indulge in the festive joy of sweet traditions.
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.
