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Sun TV unchallenged in week 49: Barc
Mumbai: Maintaining its hold on the first position, Sun TV was the most-watched channel (All India) for the third consecutive time in week 49 (4 December – 10 December). According to recently released Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) data, the channel garnered weekly ratings of 2790.42.
Sun TV was followed by Star Plus and Star Maa with weekly AMAs of 2616.45 and 2519.79.
Star Utsav, Colors, Star Vijay, Sony SAB, Dhinchaak, Zee TV, and Star Pravah grabbed the remaining slots.
The mega cities, as well as the south market, were also led by Sun TV where it clocked in 465.1 and 2783.21 AMA respectively. It was followed by Colors, Star Plus, Sony SAB, and Star Vijay in the mega cities, and Star Maa, Star Vijay, Zee Telugu, and Zee Kannada down south.
Among the regional markets, Star Pravah was the most viewed channel in Maharashtra/Goa with 1512.08AMA, Star Jalsha in West Bengal (1281.68), Tarang in Odisha (521.14), and Zee Kannada in Karnataka (1392.12).
Within the Hindi heartland, Rajasthan was ruled by Star Utsav at 207.69 AMA and UP/Uttarakhand by Zee Anmol at 396.72.
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.
