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To Pak-up or not: Trai still undecided
NEW DELHI: The broadcast and cable regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has said that it is yet to take a view on Indian pubcaster Prasar Bharati’s plea that it should be given preferential treatment while granting terrestrial telecast right of important events, especially sports.
“We have received the letter today and would take some time before we firm a view on the issue,” Trai chairman Pradip Baijal told indiantelevision.com.
Prasar Bharati, in a letter dated 13 February, had pleaded with Trai that it should intervene and help DD get terrestrial telecast rights of Indo-Pak cricket series. The telecast rights are with Dubai based Ten Sports, which had acquired them last year for five years at a time when a series between India and Pakistan had not looked possible.
Baijal also refused to comment whether Trai would intervene at all in the issue Or not.
Still industry sources indicated that Trai, even if it wanted to, may not be able to side with Prasar Bharati, which looks after Doordarshan and All India Radio, as bringing in a law at this juncture favouring DD may not have the desired effect.
On the other hand, Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma is still hopeful that DD would manage to get something more than the daily highlights package that has been promised by Ten Sports.
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.
