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Viacom18 unveils new channel identity of Colors Marathi
MUMBAI: On the occasion of Gudi Padwa – the Marathi New Year, Viacom18 has unveiled the new channel identity of Colors Marathi, the channel based on cultural ethos of Maharashtra.
This is a part of the recent announcement by Viacom18 on expanding its portfolio by rebranding five ETV regional general entertainment channels under the Colors brand name. The foray was flagged off by Colors Marathi in a star-studded Gudi Padwa extravaganza on 20 March, 2015 by revealing the channel’s new identity.
The change will be brought alive on 22 March, 2015 by airing the visual extravaganza – the Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards (MICTA), an event that saw the best in Marathi film and theatre celebrate the success of the industry in Dubai.
The entertainment quotient will further be upped with the launch of three new show premiering on 23 March namely, Amchya Gharat Soon Bai Joraat at 6.30 pm, Majha Hoshil Ka at 9.30 pm and Sakhi at 10 pm.
Colors Marathi business head Anuj Poddar said, “We are truly excited about this new chapter and are looking forward to doing what we do best – to bring great quality content and entertainment to millions of our Marathi viewers. We hope that the audiences will continue to enjoy our shows. I am hopeful that this will be a key milestone in the continuing growth of the Marathi entertainment industry and take the entire Marathi TV entertainment industry to much greater heights.”
Speaking on the new shows marking the start of the channel’s new journey, Colors Marathi content head Sanjay Upadhyay said, “The new journey of Colors Marathi is a great milestone for us and we will continue to redefine the television viewing experience for your viewers. The three new shows that are set to launch are all unique and address the varying needs of our audiences. Hope that our viewers make these engaging and entertaining show a part of their daily lives.”
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.
