News Headline
Sony BBC Earth premieres ‘Planet Earth III’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough
Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth has announced the premiere of ‘Planet Earth III’, the latest addition to the groundbreaking and award-winning Planet Earth series. The eight-part series follows some of the world’s most amazing species and narrates extraordinary stories depicting drama, thrill, humor, and emotions. Presented by Sir David Attenborough, the show will premiere on Sony BBC Earth on 29 July 2024, at 09:00 pm.
Produced by BBC Studios natural history unit, ‘Planet Earth III’ reflects the set of challenges that wildlife faces in the modern, crowded world. The show is making a comeback two decades after the original Planet Earth series first aired. It highlights some of the fantastic locations of India that include the teak forests where whistling wild dogs hunt prey three times their size and a village with venomous cobra co-existing with humans, leading to a change in their behaviour.
The final episode sheds light on the ‘heroes’ across the globe who put their lives on the line to protect the wildlife and the critically important ecosystems of our planet.
For the show’s premiere, Sony BBC Earth has launched a campaign titled ‘WilderThanYourImagination’. It focuses on mesmerising viewers with Earth’s unseen wonders, taking them to a world of incredible stories, beyond their imagination. Ahead of the premiere, the channel conducted screenings at the Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai science centers that saw over 1400+ students enjoying the content and learning from it.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief marketing officer & business head – English cluster & Sony AATH, Tushar Shah said, “At Sony BBC Earth, we are dedicated to providing viewers with high-quality programming that ignites curiosity and fosters a deep connection with the natural world. Planet Earth III delivers on this commitment and perfectly embodies the brand promise. Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this remarkable series is an immersive adventure into the heart of the wild. It showcases extraordinary tales of resilience, adaptation, and hope in the natural world.”
Planet Earth III executive producer Mike Gunton said, “Planet Earth III is about the resilience and adaptability of nature and the remarkable animals changing their lives to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world dominated by us. This is the most ambitious Planet Earth series ever made, and we spent 1904 days filming it. We hold great responsibility as filmmakers to spark deep passion for our natural world, and we are excited for Indian audiences to have the chance to watch this fantastic series.”
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.
