Akashvani Imphal Director (Engineering) Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh wins the ABU Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026 for indigenous broadcasting innovations.
Imphal, Oct. 31: Nongmaithem Nandakumar Singh, Director (Engineering) at Akashvani Imphal under Prasar Bharati, has been conferred the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award 2026 for his contributions to broadcast technology and indigenous innovation.
The award recognises his work in developing cost-effective broadcasting solutions, including automated playout software, slow-motion replay systems and tools for remote transmitter monitoring. His achievements have brought recognition to Manipur and the wider Northeast in the field of public service broadcasting.
The award was received on his behalf by Mihir Kumar Jha, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during the 63rd ABU General Assembly in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The assembly is being held from October 30 to November 3, bringing together representatives of broadcasting organisations from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Indigenous technology for broadcasting
Among Nandakumar Singh's notable contributions is DD Playout, an indigenous automated playout software developed to support television broadcasting operations. The system has been adopted by several Doordarshan Kendras, according to the announcement.
Automated playout systems help broadcasters schedule and transmit television content with reduced manual intervention, supporting routine transmission operations.
He has also developed DD SlowMo, a slow-motion replay system used during national-level sporting events. Such systems enable broadcasters to replay footage at reduced speed, allowing viewers to examine important moments in sporting competitions.
His other contributions include remote transmitter monitoring systems, Virtual News Automation software and hardware controllers designed to support broadcasting operations.
These projects reflect an emphasis on developing practical, cost-effective solutions for broadcasting infrastructure and production requirements.
Technology initiatives extend to Manipuri games
Beyond broadcasting, Nandakumar Singh has developed Android applications based on traditional Manipuri board games.
The applications seek to make indigenous games more accessible to younger generations through digital platforms, helping preserve and promote aspects of Manipur's cultural heritage.
His work across broadcasting systems and cultural applications combines technical development with efforts to make locally relevant resources more accessible.
Recognition at ABU General Assembly
The ABU Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award is being presented during the union's 63rd General Assembly in Colombo. The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union represents around 224 media organisations across 66 countries, according to the information provided in the announcement.
The recognition places the spotlight on engineering contributions that support broadcasting technology and the development of locally built systems.
For Manipur, the award marks recognition for a state-based public broadcaster's engineering professional whose work has extended beyond routine transmission duties to software development, broadcast automation and digital applications.
The achievement also draws attention to the role of indigenous technological solutions in strengthening public service broadcasting in India.
