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Surrogate ads: channels given some more time
NEW DELHI: It seems that the various channels have been given some more time by the government to look into the issue of ‘objectionable’ ads on television channels, including continuing surrogate advertising.
In a related development, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) is slated to meet up with Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), IMI and advertising industry bodies later this month as part of a continuing process to sort out the irritants.
Contacted by indiantelevision.com this evening, an IBF source said that it has not received any list from the government or the information and broadcasting ministry of the banned ads that should be taken off the air. But the source admitted that they have compiled the show cause notices that have been issued to some IBF members by the government.
“We are very pro-active in this matter and the sub-committee of IBF on surrogate advertising continually looks into such matters to allay fears of the industry or the government,” the source said.
The government had threatened to black out TV channels that did not stop airing objectionable ads and a senior government official had told indiantelevision.com yesterday, “We understand the channels’ commercial commitments and would wait for a fortnight or so for a feedback from them.”
Meanwhile, the IBF source said that the organisation was is in touch with CIABC and also non-CIABC players like Jagatjit Industries to sort out the matter of surrogate liquor advertising.
According to the IBF’s code, if a liquor company does not have an adequate number of the product that it was trying to project on television available in the market through sufficient distribution outlets, the ads of that company are not accepted by TV channels.
The case of Haywards was cited as an example and how the ads were taken off the air by TV channels when it was found out the market did not have an adequate number of dart boards the company was advertising on TV, the IBF source said. “Apart from the government, the IBF was in the process of finalising its own advertising and programming code, which was an attempt towards voluntary self-regulation,” he added.
However, an official response from the government could not be elicited on the list of the objectionable ads that had been issued to the IBF as had been reported in a section of the media.
Still, government sources indicate that the I&B ministry’s list of objectionable television commercials includes ACP Apple juice Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai campaign, VIP Jockey, Fair & Lovely, Royal Stag (that incidentally features two cricketers), Aristocrat, Smirnoff, Bagpiper, McDowell’s, Gilbey’s Green Label, Whitehall, Imperial Blue, Macintosh Apple Juice, Royal Challenge and Smirnoff.
The annual media spend on surrogate advertisements across cable and satellite networks are estimated to be around Rs 900 million.
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.
