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Zee Kannada goes colourful with new logo and look
MUMBAI: A restructuring took place at Zee Kannada in early June 2014 to ensure better management of operations. On the back of this, the Kannada general entertainment channel (GEC) has now embarked on a channel repositioning strategy.
The light blue logo of the channel has given way to a brighter red and blue. This will also be reflected in the on air graphics of the broadcaster including title cards and on screen presentation. The word ‘Kannada’ has been given a silver colour (earlier yellow). The change in the logo will soon be followed by a bunch of fresh programming that will reach out to the younger audiences between 15 to 34 years of age.
According to the channel, this age group contributes to 41 per cent of regional GEC viewership out of which Zee Kannada contributes only 26 per cent while others hold 51 per cent. The aim is to get better TAM ratings with this strategy.
The first show that has been launched in line with the channel refresh is Weekend with Ramesh. During the show one celebrity guest will be spoken to, each week to know about his/her nostalgic moments and life, small tasks as well as audience interaction. Apart from a few new launches slated for the upcoming months, current shows will also be slightly tweaked to appeal to the new audience.
There will be heavy dependence on on-air promotions to highlight the channel’s changed look. This will also be accompanied by a theme song. The channel feels that since blue is a dominant colour for all the Kannada News channels, Zee Kannada (which earlier had light blue colour in the logo) got merged with them. On the other hand GECs generally have a feminine colour scheme. The older colour, elements and packaging, according to Zee Kannada, were not very appealing to the viewers and so it decided to go in for vibrant colours, dynamic elements and a glossy look.
The Kannada GEC market is currently being led by Sun Network’s Udaya TV with Suvarna and ETV Kannada shuffling between two and three. Now, Zee has also pulled up its socks to move up from the fourth position.
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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.
