News Headline
TAM week 17 proves damp squib for channels, Pal & Epic see marginal gain
MUMBAI: On 28 April, the existing ratings body TAM (Television Audience Measurement) released its first data for Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs), indicating the disparity between household and individual data in the HSM without LC1 markets.
Today, the measurement body released its week 17 data (19 – 25 April, 2015) on household and individual level in the HSM without LC1 markets.
The new TAM data doesn’t spell good news for Hindi GECs as all the channels witnessed a drop in viewership.
Continuing with its numero uno position, Star Plus led the chart with 549 GRPs, down from 634 GRPs on a household level. On an individual level, it scored 227 GRPs as compared to 261 GRPs in week 16.
On a household level, Colors occupied the second spot with 471 GRPs, down from 484 GRPs. On an individual level, the channel observed a marginal drop from 204 GRPs to 202 GRPs in week 17.
Zee TV too lost some eyeballs and sat at the third slot with 368 GRPs, down from 399 GRPs on a household level and 161 GRPs, down from 172 GRPs on an individual level.
Life OK was at the fourth position with 314 GRPs, down from 338 GRPs on a household level and garnered 128 GRPs, down from 134 GRPs on an individual level.
On a household level, Sab secured at number five noted 278 GRPs, down from 299 GRPs and 127 GRPs, down from 137 GRPs on an individual level.
Amongst the old players, Sony stood at the bottom of the chart with 247 GRPs, down from 259 GRPs on a household level and with a marginal difference on an individual level scored 111 GRPs, down from 113 GRPs.
&TV too dropped from 121 GRPs to 119 GRPs on a household level but remained stable at 51 GRPs on an individual level.
Sony Pal was the only channel to see a gain and registered 49 GRPs, up from 46 GRPs on a household level and delivered 23 GRPs, up from 20 GRPs on an individual level.
Epic too witnessed an upward swing and recorded 15 GRPs, up from 11 GRPs on a household level and 6 GRPs, up from 4 GRPs on an individual level.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








