PRESS RELEASE

A two day National Convention and Seminar on the ‘Role of Doordarshan’ is started off today morning in New Delhi’s Press Club of India in a befitting manner. The seminar is being organized by Doordarshan Programme Production Personnel (ADP3).  This is the only association for the programme personnel of India which is being started off in 2009.

Several eminent personalities from different walks of life participated in the 1st day’s session and shared their views on the occasion.

Speaking on the inaugural occasion Mr. Kiran Karnik who was the Managing Director and CEO of Discovery Networks in India and ex President of NASSCOM remembered his association for Krishi Darshan Programmes in the initial years of Doordarshan.  He felt the urgency that policy makers should have clarity whether to allow Doordarshan to work as a commercial entity or remain as a Public service Broadcaster.  Speaking on the emerging trends of private satellite channels he said Doordarshan cannot and should not become a copy of other channels.  Referring to the debates in recent times whether we should have a public service broadcaster, he said that India do require a public service broadcaster on par with all other developed nations.

Shri Alok Mehta, Eminent Journalist and Editor of Out Look Magazine, speaking on the occasion felt that India’s view point could be understood by watching Doordarshan’s programmes. Referring the News of Doordarshan he said, so far there is no complain of any paid news in its news items which speaks of Doordarshan’s purity.  He further said that Doordarshan is the only channel which is airing programmes all over India in different languages and dialects.

Speaking on the seminar Shri H K Dua Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and senior-most journalists of the country said, in spite of several news channels beaming continuous news stories that do not carry real value of news content.  The satellite channels present and air only glossy picture of India.  But if you want to know what real India is, you should watch Doordarshan.  Shri Dua expressed that Doordarshan can be a best medium to educate people and eradicate illiteracy through its educational programmes.  He also emphasized Doordarshan should come forward to make more programmes on suppression of cast ism, communalism and superstitions to educate people across India.

Dr Narottam Puri a veteran sports personality and ENT Specialist speaking on the occasion, recollects his association with Doordarshan since 1959 during his young age.  Dr Puri said that there is no dearth of talent in Doordarshan and said some of the programmes being produced by Doordarshan are unique and rich in content carry great value even today. Referring the changing trends in recent times he felt that Doordarshan should adopt more articulate and creative approach in making programme that suits today’s taste of general public.

Director General Doordarshan Shri Tripurari Sharan, IAS speaking on the occasion said, he is putting best efforts to give a shape to Doordarshan in a best way in the contemporary competition.  He said Doordarshan is the only channel which posses the legacy of art and culture which is the essence of India.  Being a programme production man and served in FTII, Pune he has a thourough knowledge of programme personnel difficulties while making programmes.  He assured the association members present, that he will address all the persisting problems being neglected over the year and will address them on time bound manner.

Other speakers on the occasion are Dr S M Khan, Director General, Doordarshan News, Shri B M Bakshi, Director, Doordarshan, Delhi, Shri Rajendra Singh a Megasese Awardee and Social Worker, Dr M Wali, Physician and Social Communicator, Shri Raghu Thakur, Socialist also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier the ADP3 association president Shri Umesh Misra welcome all on this occasion.  Around 150 delegates from all corners of India took part in the two day event. 

The event began with a video film presentation which is an archive of Smt Indira Gandhi Ex-Prime Minister, showing a message that Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) should remain as two separate wings for smooth and professional independent functioning.

(Sukanta Sen Gupta)

General Secretary

21-04-2012