News Headline
Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT to sign an MOU with Doordarshan for content collaboration
MUMBAI: For the first time, a large official delegation of Turkish companies led by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Tourism attended FICCI Frames 2016 in Mumbai which started on 30 March and will conclude on April 1 to promote collaboration in the cinema and television sector between India and Turkey. To mark the event, Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT had a meeting with Doordarshan and both state owned companies are set to sign an MOU for future content collaboration.
The ambassador of Turkey to India, Burak Akçapar announced, “TheTurkish delegation is very encouraged with the initial response at the 3-day conclave and Turkey is predicting content exports of USD 20 million to India by 2018.”
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce brought together Turkey’s leading content industry representatives to meet the Indian media and entertainment industry at the “Turkey Home of Content” booth at FICCI FRAMES 2016 with the valuable support of the Turkish Republic’s Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and with the precious collaboration of the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi and Turkish Consul General in Mumbai.Founded in 1882, The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce today is the third largest Chamber in the world.
With a high powered delegation, and wholehearted support from the Government, Turkey is actively seeking collaborations with Indian media and entertainment companies in the areas of filmed and television content.The leading Turkish companies participating in the delegation were Ayyapim, Kadraj, Kanal 7, Outline Ajans, Pana Film, Tac Medya, TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation), ULKE TV.
In an effort to further strengthen its ties with the city of Mumbai and Bollywood, Turkish delegations had a meeting with the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI). Turkey is in talk with the organisers of MAMI film festival to showcase Turkish cinema at the festival in October this year.
Turkey’s first television export to India, Feriha on Zee – Zindagi has been well received by the Indian audiences and an average of 36 million viewers in India each week. Encouraged by its success, many Indian networks including the leading GEC’s are in talks with Turkish content providers to roll out more Turkish serials on Indian television says an official release.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








