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Viacom18 completes merger of Prism TV
Mumbai: Viacom18 has completed merger of Prism TV Private Limited, thereby integrating five regional channels – Colors Kannada, Colors Marathi, Colors Bangla, Colors Odiya and Colors Gujarati within its fold.
Commenting on the merger, Viacom18 CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “The regional entertainment broadcast pie commands ~30% viewership in the Indian broadcast space and as consumer preferences are moving towards segmented regional content, this share is only going to grow. This merger allows us to create a single brand that can leverage the individual strengths of the regional channels and harness synergies in terms of content strategy and business processes, helping us amplify long term value for Viacom18. I am particularly pleased that this process has been completed at an opportune time when we are gearing up to celebrate our 10th anniversary, in 2017, with a bigger and unified Team Viacom18.”
With this merger, not only the regional brands but also the Prism TV workforce will become part of Viacom18 and be assimilated seamlessly into its cultural ethos.
Viacom18 had recently launched Colors Super, its second Kannada GEC, further strengthening its share in the Kannada market which it already dominates with Colors Kannada. With this merger, the network seems poised to significantly dial up its regional play at a time when the regional GEC genre is fast emerging as the next ‘big thing’ in the Indian broadcast sector.
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.
