DD seeks to change its logo; don’t kill the nostalgia, say Twitterati

After 58 years, Doordarshan is going for a logo change and has invited all Indian Nationals to participate in designing a new logo for the national broadcaster. 

Described as a swirling ‘eye’ or ‘nebula’, DD’s logo was designed by Devashis Bhattacharya, a student of National Institute of Design, way back in 1959. 

According to the Government of India website, where the logo design contest has been announced, “Doordarshan’s logo over the years has inspired deep nostalgia of an era when the public broadcaster was the only television channel of the country. With the opening up of the television market to private channels, a whole generation of youth need to connect and identify with DD. In order to engage with India’s youth and to get a mindshare for DD brand within the current generation, DD is seeking a new logo design.” 

The note added, “The new logo, while recalling the strong nostalgia associated with the DD brand, should reflect the aspirations of new India.” 

Last day for submission of entries is August 13, 2017. The winning design will be awarded prize money of Rs 1 lakh. 

But, while DD wants to move on from the nostalgia factor, there are many who want to hold on to their childhood memories of watching television. TV personality and quiz master Siddhartha Basu called the current DD logo a “pretty evolved design” in his tweet. Meanwhile, actor Ayushmann Khurrana tweeted: “Please don’t change the Doordarshan logo. It represents my childhood.” Another Twitter user also pleaded not to change the logo as “this logo is far more youthful”. 

Some compared the logo design change with Microsoft’s decision to axe its popular MS Paint program (okay, MS Paint is not being killed off but will be available for free in the Windows Store).