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Viacom18 completes ETV Kannada re-branding under Colors umbrella
MUMBAI: The Colors family of channels is growing rapidly. After re-branding ETV Marathi, ETV Bangla, ETV Gujarati and ETV Odiya recently, Viacom 18 has now re-branded ETV Kannada as Colors Kannada. With this, Viacom 18 completes the re-branding of Prism TV’s five ETV regional general entertainmentchannels under the Colors brand name.
The 14-year-old ETV Kannada will be re-branded as Colors Kannada on 26 April, 2015 and will reflect the distinctive culture and traditions of Karnataka through its differentiated content.
The channel takes its legacy forward with the new brand philosophy – ‘OndeSambandha, Ade Anubandha.’ The channel is set to offer high octane entertainment through the week, which will culminate into a celebratory gala on 26 April marking the metamorphosis of this journey.
Viacom18 EVP and project head – Colors Kannada, Colors Bangla and Colors Odiya Ravish Kumar said, “These are exciting times for Kannada television – as we enter this new phase of growth, consumer delight shall continue to be the key driver for Colors Kannada. We hope to up the ante and continue the surprise viewers in the future too.”
Colors Kannada business head Parameshwar Gundkal added, “We have excelled in providing innovative and engaging content that has delighted viewers and set new standards for both the market and for us to surpass. We further hope to make Colors Kannada the one stop for Kannada entertainment.”
As part of the pre-launch campaign, all the artists associated with the channel will come together to unveil the Colors Kannada logo. Mega episodes of the following shows will be aired through the week before launch day:
22 April – Lakshmi Baramma, 7:30-8:30 pm
23 April – Agnisakshi, 8 – 9 pm
24 April- Akka, 8:30-9:30 pm
25 April- A special slot Dancing Talkies, Maja Talkies, 8 – 9 pm
25 April- Dancing Star, 9-10:30 pm
26 April- Ugramm– movie premiere, 2 pm
26 April- rebranding event, 6 pm
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.
