MUMBAI: Ahimsaa, a 24-hour global satellite television channel is all set for its launch on 30 January next year. The content of the channel will primarily comprise social, environmental and women empowerment issues.

The first official announcement about the launch was made at the 'Converging World 2002' held in Bangalore between 3-5 December. The channel is promoted by the Kolkata based Santosh Kumar Jain who besides being a partner in Aastha Television and CMM Music has also promoted ATN World and ATN Bangla in West Bengal. It is being backed by The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU) which is headquartered in Mount Abu, India.

"We propose to have kids shows; serials aimed at the youth and career guidance; women's rights and issues beauty tips; and even cooking. We shall even cover issues like Aids, health, alternate therapies and cures," Ahimsaa Global Media Director, Sonal Jain elaborated while speaking to the indiantelevision.com team.

The channel will reach out to over four billion people in more than 150 countries through its programmes on spiritual, ethical and social themes, stated an official release. It will show children's programme like 'moral story telling' sessions, alternate methods of education and special programmes for the youth on career guidance, awareness regarding drugs, AIDS and other issues, the release added.

"Negotiations are on with the managements of PAS-10 and Thaicom for uplinking facilities. We are also commissioning inhouse content at Kolkata. Within two years, we expect the advertisers to provide content. At present we have programming content of around eight hours and there will be repeat telecasts. We propose to increase the programming content as time goes by, " said Brahma Kumaris' chief of multimedia, B K Karuna.