News Headline
TDSAT gives govt 10 days to respond to Harvest TV name change petition
MUMBAI: Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), on 30 January, granted 10 days’ time to the government to reply to a broadcasting petition filed by Veecon Media and Broadcasting Pvt Ltd, stating that the government has been ignoring its request to change the name and logo of Congress leader Kapil Sibal-backed Harvest TV, which it had made in September 2017.
The government had requested time to share details of ‘some show cause notices’ that have been ‘issued to Veecon Media and Broadcasting Pvt Ltd in respect of its shareholding as well as the use of the name “Harvest TV” for its channel’ and other ‘relevant facts’.
The tribunal has directed that till further orders, Veecon can run its news and current affairs channel under the same name, without any hindrance. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for 5 March 2019.
The decision comes just a day after Sibal accused the government of creating a hindrance for Harvest TV stating that the centre is trying to stifle the voice of dissent.
Presenting its case in front of TDSAT, Veecon had also shared that a show cause notice that was served to it on 29 January supports the apprehension that there may be strong efforts to prevent it from using the name “Harvest TV” and on account it may be prevented from running its TV channel under that name. It mentioned, “The respondent (Union of India) has not taken note of petitioner’s (Veecon’s) application filed for a change of name and logo of its channel to Tiranga TV”.
Kerala-based Christian devotional channel Harvest TV, owned by Bibi George Chacko, had earlier accused Veecon of ‘riding on the goodwill and reputation of Harvest TV’ by using its name and logo, the permission for which was granted for only two years that, which expired on 31 January 2018. Responding to the claim Veecon asserted that Chacko can get the issue decided only through an appropriate court or authority.
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.
