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Vijay TV’s reality show completes 50 episodes
MUMBAI: Kadhai alla Nijam, the daily dose of truth on Vijay TV reached the 50 episode milestone on 8 October.
The show, hosted by actress Lakshmi, was launched on 15 July and has since managed to stir emotions, awaken consciences and set viewers thinking, claims the channel. Introduced to the television world as the first live reality show in Tamil Nadu, Kadhai alla Nijam set the standards for innovative programming and thought provoking entertainment, making it Vijay’s current channel driver.
Anchor Lakshmi with one of the guests on Kadhai alla Nijam So far, the show has brought to light hitherto unmentionable and taboo subjects like homosexuality, widow remarriage, adultery, physical and emotional abuse at the work place, women forced into prostitution, child abuse and surrogate mothers and has also acted as a redress forum for many victims.
Among those the show has helped are Ma Basha alias Uma Shankar, who was reunited with his family after being rescued from the clutches of beggary and bonded labour; Gloria and Christina, orphans who found new homes, Bina, deceived by her lover and left pregnant found wedding bells chiming, soon after she came on the show and appealed for justice.
The 50th episode featured Lakshmi in conversation with actor, director, lyricist, singer and writer T Rajendar.
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.
