60 years on, Doordarshan to go for global expansion

Doordarshan completed 60 years on September 15, 2019. Starting from an experimental service on September 15, 1959, Doordarshan has become one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world and has played a pivotal role in the nation building. Generations of Indians have grown up watching Doordarshan. 

I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar participated in the celebrations marking the 60th Foundation Day of Doordarshan in a function organised at Doordarshan Bhawan, New Delhi. 

Speaking on this occasion, Javadekar highlighted the role played by Doordarshan in its journey of last 60 years. He reminisced about the programmes of Doordarshan while highlighting how it has continued to enthrall audiences over the decades. He talked about the modern technological changes brought about by Doordarshan by adopting digital means and becoming available in the palm of each individual through its mobile app. He also talked about the immense growth of DD Free Dish and how every channel now aspires to be showcased on the platform. 

Highlighting that credibility is the USP of Doordarshan, Javadekar said that DD India will soon be available all over the world. Stating that improving quality of content is important, he lauded Prasar Bharati for the decision to bring in Creative Heads in Doordarshan. 

DD India now available in the Republic of Korea 

The Minister also launched Korean Public Service Broadcasting channel KBS World on DD Free Dish and DD India on myK OTT platform of KBS World. Ambassador of Korea, Shin Bongkil, was also present on this occasion. 

Popular cuisine show, ‘Wah! Kya Taste Hai (Season-II)’, anchored by Charles Thomson, popularly known as ‘Bihari Babu’, was also launched. A special brochure on Doordarshan was also released by Javadekar. 

60-year journey of Doordarshan 

From the days of ‘Ramayan’, ‘Mahabharat’, ‘Hum Log’, ‘Buniyaad’, ‘Malgudi Days’, ‘Udaan’, etc., to today’s high-tech coverages of National and International events and impactful programmes on health, education and empowerment, Doordarshan has been a favourite of generations of viewers and continues to contribute towards enriching India’s social fabric. 

Speaking at the function, Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, said that both Doordarshan and DD News have evolved with time through adoption of latest technologies. Highlighting that Doordarshan is the largest public broadcaster, he said that in today’s age of breaking news, Doordarshan has been able to maintain its tradition of providing accurate and up-to-date information to its viewers. 

Shashi Shekhar Vempati, CEO, Prasar Bharati, added here, “Doordarshan is getting younger through engagement with younger audience.” He highlighted Doordarshan’s foray in the digital space with a focus on making video available on demand. 

Meanwhile, a specially designed postage stamp to mark Doordarshan’s 60th Foundation Day was also launched. 

Javadekar also launched a poem penned by Alok Srivastava and rendered in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan. The poem highlights the role played by Doordarshan in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of India, empowering women, promoting green revolution etc. It showcases the journey of Doordarshan in the last 60 years, highlighting how Doordarshan has become a symbol of New India.