Doordarshan: When TV Wasn't Just a Screen, But an Emotion!

If you grew up in the '90s, Doordarshan was more than just a TV channel—it was a part of your childhood heartbeat ! The electrifying "Shakti Shakti Shaktimaan," the melodious hits of Chitrahaar, the mysterious tales of Vikram-Betaal, and the heartwarming simplicity of Malgudi Days—weren't they all so close to our hearts? And when Ramayan and Mahabharataired, the whole house transformed into a temple. People would take baths, light incense sticks, and sit in devotion. Once the episode ended, prasad would be distributed! Doordarshanwas truly a golden part of our childhood memories.

The Beginning of Doordarshan

Today, we're surrounded by the internet, OTT platforms, and private channels. But do you know who laid the foundation for television in India? Doordarshan! It started on September 15, 1959, as nothing more than an experiment. Back then, it was called 'Television India.' Slowly, it won people's hearts, and by 1975, it had reached several major cities.

The Game-Changer in Indian Television

Before TV, people relied on the radio for news. But in 1965, when Doordarshan launched its first news bulletin, it was revolutionary! Then came ‘Krishi Darshan’—a show that fueledIndia's Green Revolution. Teaching farmers about modern farming techniques, machinery, and technology, this program still airs today, making it India's longest-running TV show!

The Era of Color Television

In 1982, when the Asian Games were broadcast in color, it sent shockwaves across the nation. For the first time, people moved from black-and-white screens to a world of colors! What followed was a golden era of television—‘Hum Log,’ ‘Buniyaad,’ and, of course, the epic sagas of Ramayan (1987) and Mahabharat (1988). During their telecast, streets would go silent, and people treated them as sacred rituals rather than just shows.

The Downfall: Where Did Doordarshan Go Wrong?

In 1991, economic liberalization changed everything. The entry of private channels like Star Plus and Sony, with modern content and high production value, reshaped the game. Meanwhile, Doordarshan remained stuck with outdated formats and storytelling. Though shows like ‘Shaktimaan’ and ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ were hits, they couldn't keep up with the competition.

Doordarshan’s Survival Strategy

To adapt, Doordarshan launched various channels—DD National for general entertainment, DD Bharati for culture, DD Sports for sports, and DD Kisan for farmers. However, it still failed to capture the audience's attention. The 2005 hit show ‘Hawaayein’ created a buzz, but soon after, Doordarshan's graph started dipping again.

Government Control and Slow Decisions

One major setback was excessive government control. News and content were tightly regulated, making Doordarshan lose its creative freedom. From the Emergency of 1975 to political propaganda, it became more of a government mouthpiece than an entertainment platform. This pushed viewers towards private channels, which offered fresh and independent content.

Can Doordarshan Make a Comeback?

During the COVID-19 lockdown, re-telecasting Ramayan and Mahabharat sent TRPs soaring! It hinted at a possible Doordarshan revival. However, the viewership largely consisted of old fans rather than new audiences. Now, the government has approved a ₹22,500 crore budget to modernize Doordarshan. If utilized wisely, this could bring Doordarshan back into the limelight!