Kanika Fulara
With the founding of Doordarshan, the country’s television history officially began. In my opinion, Doordarshan’s nostalgic appeal, cultural influence, and educational power have helped Indians recognize their diversity while remaining united. Doordarshan launched on September 15, 1959. Initially, it was a part of All India Radio and only offered service in the Delhi region. As time passed, it became a multi-channel network with a broad selection of shows catering to all social categories, including linguistic, geographic, and cultural groups. The broadcasting services supported the nation’s social, cultural, and educational growth. Millions of Indians still hold shows like Buniyaad, Hum Log, and Malgudi Days dear to their hearts. These programs brought families closer together in addition to providing entertainment. Some people did not have television so they used to watch these shows in other people’s televisions. People used to wait for these shows to come on television and watch them with their families. Like today’s, these shows were not sensationalized. They took a welcoming stance toward families. Doordarshan’s dedication to education was one of its notable aspects. It was essential in the dissemination of information and knowledge to many Indians, particularly those from rural areas.The longest-running television program in India, Krishi Darshan, has benefited Indian farmers by educating the general public, particularly rural and farming audiences, about agricultural issues. Similar to how channels like Gyandarshan promoted education throughout the nation. Through these initiatives, the nation’s agricultural outputs and literacy rates both improved.Through programs like Mahabharata and Ramayana, Doordarshan also highlighted the vibrant culture of India. These programs gave epic stories life. My favourite Doordarshan experience was when I watched the show Ramayana during the COVID era.With my family, I used to watch it every day and gain wisdom from it.
A strong emotion that continues to unite generations is nostalgia for Doordarshan. Doordarshan set the practice of producing serials based on the wonders of Indian mythology, fascinating the entire country with its rich production values and star-studded casts and transporting viewers to the epical eras. People from the 1980s still get excited when they hear the names of shows like Shaktimaan and The Jungle Book. When they were young, they had faith in Shaktimaan’s abilities and desired to be like him so they could eliminate the world of all evil. These programs nurtured in them qualities like kindness and honesty. Doordarshan evolved along with technology. When various private satellite channels arrived, the competition grew. Doordarshan underwent a digital transformation in order to stay relevant. It introduced a number of channels that catered to viewers with different interests, such as DD Bharti and DD Sports. In order to make sure that it is accessible to people in remote areas as well, it also introduced DD Free Dish, a free DTH service. But as more commercial and sensationalized content was available on private channels, Doordarshan began to face a number of difficulties. It became challenging for it to stay current with the audience’s preferences. Doordarshan, however, did its best to embrace digital platforms and began online content streaming. To draw in young viewers, it introduced popular reality and game shows.
The mythology series Ramayan and Mahabharat, as well as other well-liked programs like Shaktiman and Buniyaad, were brought back by Doordarshan during the lockdown that caused a halt in the production of shows and movies. Due to the fact that the two epics were broadcasted, the entire family was gathered in front of the TV, challenging the idea of customized content for young India. Although these shows had poor production quality and poor graphics, audiences still preferred them over modern shows. People had rescheduled their free time and working hours in order to watch Ramayan and Mahabharat on television at four different times throughout the day.
In conclusion, Doordarshan’s magic is an eternal phenomenon that has been engraved in the hearts and minds of countless Indians. It has acted as a link between generations, evoking emotional memories of earlier times.
Doordarshan’s simplicity and capacity to reunite generations of Indians with their heritage are what gives it its magic. It makes us think back to a time when television served multiple purposes, including education and promoting a sense of community. People still watch Doordarshan and rely on it the most, so its charm hasn’t worn off. Doordarshan will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it. People from different eras and generations continue to be connected by Doordarshan’s magic.
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