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Vijay TV unveils election agenda
MUMBAI: Time for some more elections specials. Adding to the 14th general election special air time is Vijay TV’s newest show Makkal Yaar Pakkam.
A daily chat show, which airs Monday to Friday at 9:00 pm, promises to keep an hawks eye on the election proceedings in Tamil Nadu.
Launched on 1 March, the show is touted as the only unbiased voice in Tamil Nadu. According to a company release, the show anchored by “Rajdeep Sardesai of Tamil Nadu” Gopinath and South television actor Shalini is a definitive, unbiased, opinionated, critical, incisive, yet light hearted coverage of 2004 Elections.
In his career span as a journalist, Gopinath has interviewed politicians and bureaucrats, while Shalini is quite well known for her realistic portrayal in the show Salanam. With help of a generous dose of celebrity inputs, the election special is designed to get to the root of the election issue. Every episode will be divided into five segments namely:
Unghal Thogudhi: The segment will present a fact file of a constituency and a panel will discuss the constituency
Unghal Vetpaalar: In this section the anchors will talk about a candidate profile, his history, crime record if any, and wealth verification. While the national award winning director Cheran, in his special programme Cherans corner, will meet the people in each constituency and inquire about their needs and demands. Later on a panel will discuss the profile of candidates.
Vaakuridhi: After the candidates have put forth their election manifesto and their promises and they will be cross-questioned on the level of awareness of people real needs. This section also includes debate between two leaders of opposing political parties.
Vetri Yaarukku?: While in this segment, the channel will present the shots of the campaign on the street. They will feature the voices and the opinions of the people. The show also features fortune corner with astrologers predicting the outcome of the elections and as usual expert panel will be discussing the entire segment.
Ivarghalin Paarvai: This section will tackle the issues pertaining elections. Besides experts views and comments, the panel will analyse the results of the on ground survey of each constituency. The section consist of an open forum discussion along with fact files (90-120 sec). Amongst the Issues discussed in this segment will be rights and powers of MP’s, rights of the people, importance of voting, and role of film stars in politics over the ages. The segment will also include interviews with the political candidate’s family, information about independent campaigns, swings in allegiance and a snippet called Yesterday vs Today , comprising humorous moments in politics.
Besides the programme will also feature the face of the week, a hard talk interview with the leaders of leading political parties in Tamil Nadu. Every week one leader of likes of Dr J Jayalalitha, DR M K Karunanidhi, Vai Ko, DR Ramadoss, GK Vaasan will be profiled.
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.
