Naidu gives away Akashvani annual awards

New Delhi [India], Nov.16 (ANI): The Akashvani annual awards for years 2012 and 2013 were given away by Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu at a gala cultural event organised by All India Radio at the Zoravar Hall in the Manekshaw Centre on Tuesday evening. The event was attended by an august gathering and appreciated by all. Minister of State Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also graced the occasion by his presence. This award is an annual feature which acknowledges and promotes professional excellence of the staff working at various stations and installations of All India Radio. It was constituted in the year 1974 and since then recognising exemplary work in plays, documentaries, musical features, and other productions, programmes on farm and home, on family welfare, women, research, training, planning, installation and commissioning of projects and the operation and maintenance of stations as well as a special award for technical excellence. Speaking on the occasion,Naidu said, "AIR - Only organisation that works across the country without a break. Reaches people across the nation". He also said, "Movement across the nation M O D I : Making of Developed India! Cultural heritage and spiritual heritage of India are its GREATEST assets" This year few of the remarkable features which have received awards are 'Bird of Fire' ( a feature on Deepa Malik, India's First woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games) , 'Dard Samander Dil Ke Ander' ( on Nirbhaya Case). Complete detail about the programmes which have received award is provided in the citation. Each feature is an example and narrates the saga of our life in the present world and in India. Awards and programmes reflect upon the changes, tolerance, and attitude of the society. The Special Award for programmes on Gandhiyan Philosophy has been awarded to AIR, Bengaluru for the docu-drama "Ahimseya Pravadi" .In this gripping programme, Gandhiji's granddaughter Manubehan narrates an incident from the life of Gandhiji. The incident which shows how Gandhiji put others before himself has been presented in the form of a docu-drama which accentuates impact of the programme. The News Service Division of AIR was also awarded under categories such as editors and correspondents, including part-time correspondents. The best Regional News Unit is also awarded a prize. The award for bold and courageous reporting went to Manas Pratim Sarma for his unceasing the unceasing coverage of the impact of militancy and insurgency Assam has been experiencing for few years. Prasar Bharati Chairman, Dr. A. Surya Prakash addressed the august gathering, which was followed by the Award presentation ceremony. The Akashvani Annual Awards also showcased cultural programs where the famous dance form of Kuchipudi was performed. Young India's star Ms. Senjuti Dasl also performed at the event. The Akashvani Annual Awards ended with a beautiful rendition of "Saare Jahan se Acchha" followed by the vote of thanks by F Sheheryar, Director General, All India Radio. (ANI)