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Times Now, Mirror Now to air docu-series on formation of Bangladesh
Mumbai: Times Chronicles, the content studio from Times Network has launched “1971 Birth of a Nation,” a documentary series on India post-independence. The seven-part docu-series will begin airing on 27 November on Times Now and Times Now World starting at 6 p.m and Mirror Now starting at 7:30 p.m.
“The 1971 war between India and Pakistan was a pivotal point in world history, resulting in the formation of a new country, Bangladesh. The 13-day military conflict is one of the shortest wars in history and it ended with a decisive win for India. The documentary explores the reason behind the genocide in East Pakistan and the political history behind the birth of a new country Bangladesh,” said the channel in a statement. “The series also brings a comprehensive account of the political tussles that led to India overthrowing Pakistan, what caused friction between East and West Pakistan, how the political diplomacy of Indira Gandhi prove ingenious in the period leading to the war, role of MI, IB & RAW in the 1971 war, Operation Searchlight and Dhaka University massacre and significance of India’s intervention in the matters of East and West Pakistan.”
Offering a glimpse into the mindsets and emotions of the times, the series will feature first-person accounts and anecdotes of senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Airforce and brings together government officials, historians, journalists, victims of the 1971 war, Bangladesh – Mukti Joddhas, who were in the thick of the action at the time. This includes Probal Dasgupta – author of “Watershed 1967: India’s Forgotten Victory Over China,” historian and army veteran, 1971 survivor Ratna Biswas, 1971 survivor and executive director, research initiatives, Bangladesh Meghna Guhathakurta, lieutenant general Depinder Singh (retd) – assistant to Sam Manekshaw from 1969 to 1973 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, colonel MS Joon, who played a key role in training the Mukti Bahini in 1971, former Indian bureaucrat Jayanta Sanyal, former Indian ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg and China Chandrashekhar Dasgupta, Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir (retd) – Mukti Joddha, national security analyst and author Nitin A Gokhale, and Times Network consulting editor Maroof Raza amongst others.
Culled from the archival reels gathered from Films Division of India, the series visually recreates the historic scenarios and circumstances by capturing actual locations of the battles, war memorials, unseen footage, and pictures of the wars.
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.
