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Worldspace launches Gujarati Radio station ‘Radio Umang’
MUMBAI: Worldspace Satellite Radio , a satellite-based digital radio services has laucnhed the first ever 24-hour national Gujarati radio channel, Radio Umang.
Channel No 111 on the Worldspace Satellite Radio Network, Radio Umang presents a platform, showcasing the diversity of Gujarat’s musical traditions – ranging from the tunes of the Garba and Dandia Raas to the Sugam Sangeet and Ghazals and more, asserts an official release.
Worldspace managing director Shishir Lall said, “Radio Umang is our latest offering and the country’s first-ever 24-hour Gujarati channel and the ninth regional channel on the Worldspace Satellite Radio Network. Our refreshing advertising-free format, enables music aficionados to quench their thirst for quality radio programming in virtually any part of the country, thereby creating a truly pan-Indian radio experience.”
Radio Umang joins a portfolio of Indian regional language channels at Worldspace which currently offers eight other dedicated regional radio channels with programming in Tamil (KL Radio), Malayalam (RM Radio), Telugu (Spandana), Kannada (Sparsha), Bengali (Tara), Punjabi (Tunak Punjabi) Urdu (Falak) and Marathi (Surabhi).
Worldspace senior advisor content Velu Shankar said, “Radio Umang presents to its listeners opportunity and range of programs from folk music to modern Gujarati music, poetry and literature giving them a glimpse into the exciting world of Gujarati culture.”
Some programs on Radio Umang are :
– Suravali Ashit Ni – A show hosted by celebrity Ashit Desai as he takes listeners through some of his popular songs from various genres of Gujarati music every Saturday 9 to 11 pm.
– Taajgi – A breakfast show hosted by radio entertainer Ajinkya Sampat. It will showcase Gujarati music from film songs to garba, folk songs and light music and will also provide interesting facts and trivia on music.
– Be Ghadi Anand – An evening show with playback singer Hema Desai who would share interesting facts about Gujarati culture, literature and music.
– Makhmali Mehfil – Host by Gujarati theatre actor Aanand Goradiya the show will celebrate the lilting rhythms of Gujarati ghazals from Purushottam Upadhyay and Ashit Desai to Manhar Udhas.Worldspace launches Gujarati Radio station ‘Radio Umang’
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.
