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Unicef-BBC’s societal issues show launched on DD
NEW DELHI: A ‘coming of age’ action drama series for social change AdhaFULL intertwined with the journey of growing up in a small town has been issued as a series by UNICEF India and BBC Media Action India.
The launch was attended Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash, UNICEF India Representative Louis-Georges Arsenault, Doordarshan Director General Supriya Sahu, BBC Media Action country director Priyanka Dutt, officials from the Government, senior members from the media,civil society partners and adolescents themselves.
AdhaFULL is a 78-episode TV series conceptualised by UNICEF and created and developed by BBC Media Action. AdhaFULL follows three adolescents—Kitty (16), Tara (11) and Adrak (15), who form the AdhaFULL gang, as they solve a new case each week. The mysteries are such as under-age marriage, nutrition, stereotyping of girls and boys, continuing education, peer pressure, school drop-outs and exam blues and gender-based violence are creatively depicted in the narrative.
The half-hour-long episodes of AdhaFULL, will be telecast on Doordarshan National on Friday, Saturday and Sunday every week from 7.30 pm starting 21 October.
The television series will be supported by a 78-episode-long radio show called Full on Nikki, as well as a mobile game, an inter-personal toolkit, graphic novels and DVD omnibuses.
Sahu stressed that as a public service broadcaster, DD has always strived to reach out to its viewers through meaningful and impactful programming. The telecast of the series AdhaFULL on DD is the fulfilment of its commitment.
Unicef India representative Louis-Georges Arsenault said, “India is home to 243 million adolescents. This series portrays adolescents who stand up for their rights. Through a mix of social drama, action, energy, fun, humour and emotions, this edutainment package discusses existing social norms and showcases transformation from a culture of silence to a culture of change and freedom”
Prakash said: “Doordarshan has the largest reach in India. We are happy to be the first channel to broadcast a dedicated programme for adolescents, engaging them so that they can reach their full potential”.
AdhaFULL, the Hinglish name of the series, reflects the hybrid nature of both a society in transition and adolescence. The AdhaFULL gang episodes swing between its ruralavtaar of the past and its present small town persona with urban trappings.
BBC Action Media national creative director & executive producer Radharani Mitra said: “Young lives and aspirations are about the 3Cs – curiosity, challenge and creativity. They are willing to re-evaluate, to take chances but often feel limited. Through AdhaFULL’s story and its characters, we want to engage our young viewers and their parents in a journey of change, so that they feel they can negotiate and work with the 3Cs. For us, it’s been an exciting, enthralling journey – I hope it would be the same for our audiences”.
AdhaFULL is a ‘creative magnifier’ – it brings to life, in a thoroughly entertaining way, everything that deserves a place in a series about adolescence.
The action- packed series is being produced by Sunshine Productions, complete with pyrotechnics, chases, stunts, stylised lighting and filming, original sound tracks to accentuate drama and suspense.
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.
