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Zee Kannada marks 14 years of grand success
MUMBAI: Zee Kannada celebrates 14 glorious years of entertaining Kannada audiences from across India. Over the years, the channel’s variety of multi-genre offerings, from fiction shows to reality shows and talk shows have been reflective of its philosophy – ‘Bayasid'dha Bāgilu Tegiyōṇa'.
At the beginning of the previous calendar year, Zee Kannada emerged as the number one channel for the first time in 13 years and has ever since continued to win the hearts of all Kannada audience.
Impacting viewers by serving as an inspiration and refection of love, Zee Kannada’s tent-pole shows like Weekend with Ramesh, Drama Juniors, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Jothe Jotheyali and now with the launch of Malgudi Days, the channel has transformed small screen entertainment in the market.
Zee Kannada and Zee Picchar business head Raghavendra Hunsur says, “Zee Kannada has had an eventful year with an aim to inspire the viewers and achieve goals beyond their reach. The channel is celebrating several milestones like emerging as the market leader, a successful season of Weekend with Ramesh, launching the most popular fiction show, Jothe Jotheyal; and the first-ever adaptation of Malgudi Days to the Kannada small screen for the first time.”
He adds, “We hope the viewers continue to show and support the channel in the years to come. Though these difficult times of the pandemic, as your entertainment partner, we urge everyone to stay indoors and stay safe with Zee Kannada.”
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.
