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TED Talks India’s first episode garners 42.4 million reach
MUMBAI: The inaugural episode of TED Talks India Nayi Soch, which aims to inspire people across the country with a new way of thinking, has received a rousing response across platforms when it premiered earlier this month. The first episode of the weekly show—which aired on Sunday, 10 December, 2017-was telecast across six channels (Star Plus, Star Pravah, Star World, Star Gold, Star Jalsa, and Movies OK) and garnered an aggregated reach of 42.4 million (Source : BARC All India 2+) on opening day.
This, and the continuing momentum behind the seven-episode series, is borne by viewers’ reactions on social media as the show over two episodes so far has received over 140,000 mentions on social media from more than 31,000 unique users translating into over a billion impressions.
“We are extremely pleased with the way TED Talks India Nayi Soch has been received by our audiences. The show appeals to the intellect and inspires people to think about and bring about change,” says Star India CEO Entertainment Amit Chopra. “The objective with this show is to inspire young minds and more so to encourage them to share more and more ideas. It’s very heartening to see the response.”
Some of the innovations showcased in the first two episodes of TED Talks India Nayi Soch included Anirudh Sharma’s ink made from pollution particulates, Shubhendu Sharma, who quit his engineering job at Toyota to grow forests, Dr. Gautam Bhan’s work on rehabilitation and upgradation of slums. Also featured were outstanding personalities such as Javed Akhtar and Deepak Ramola.
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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.
