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Tata Sky offers emergency credit facility, free access to interactive services
MUMBAI: Leading content distribution and Pay TV platform Tata Sky has announced emergency credit facility for subscribers who have been unable to recharge their account due to various reasons, inability to find a dealer to do it for them being one of them.
This is aimed at ensuring that all subscribers have access to uninterrupted entertainment round the clock while staying at home during the nation-wide lockdown period.
The step has been taken largely to ease out the lives of the non-tech savvy viewers who constitute a considerable size of the subscriber base.
In addition to this, 10 of Tata Sky’s interactive content services have been made free to encourage the consumers to remain fruitfully engaged, learn and do something new in the safety of their homes during this period of public health scare.
The emergency credit facility will provide subscribers a balance loan for a specified time period. The credited amount will be debited from the user's account as soon as he re-activates his service without any interest.
Meanwhile, free access to content will include value-added services for the entire family, targeted towards a variety of age groups. Tata Sky Fun Learn, Smart Manager, Vedic Maths, Cooking, Classroom, Dance Studio, Beauty and Fitness count amongst the most popular services that will be available at a time when it is imperative for people to join the drive to stay at home. The credit facility can be easily accessed by giving a free missed call. The free interactive services can easily be accessed on the set top box or on the Tata Sky Mobile App.
To spread the word on these initiatives, Tata Sky has created a unique TVC to celebrate the spirit of Stay Home, Stay Jingalala. The creative idea – “Chalo Ghar baithe baithe kuch naya seekhein”- has been conceptualised by Ogilvy India for Tata Sky. The TVC was shot and directed remotely by real people on their phone cameras in seven different cities – Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Lucknow, Chennai and Jodhpur. Not a single person stepped out of their homes for the production which was executed in a period of just two days.
Talking about the campaign, Ogilvy India Chief Creative Officer Sukesh Nayak said, “In times like these, it’s important that brands contribute to help its consumers in their own way. By deciding to free up services, Tata sky is doing their bit to entertain and engage its subscribers while they stay at home.”
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.
