Doordarshan 66th Foundation Day Celebration: Cultural Programs and Iconic Performances

Doordarshan celebrates its 66th Foundation Day with the cultural program Shabdanjali: From Tradition to Modernity. The network continues to showcase India’s culture, iconic shows, and nationwide reach.

By Bollyy 15 Sep 2025 in Entertainment

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Doordarshan 66th Foundation Day Celebration

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India’s largest broadcasting network, Doordarshan (DD), is celebrating its 66th Foundation Day today, Monday. On this occasion, a special cultural program titled “Shabdanjali: From Tradition to Modernity” is being organized at Rang Bhavan Auditorium in Delhi. The program will feature performances by Vusat Iqbal Khan (Vusat Iqbal Khan) and Abad Ahmad (Abad Ahmad) of the Delhi Gharana (Delhi Gharana), presenting compositions of Amir Khusro (Amir Khusro) such as Chhap Tilak and Dama Dam Mast Qalandar. Folk singer Maithili Thakur (Maithili Thakur) will perform a soulful Thumri. Additionally, there will be enactments of Devanchal’s love story and the Sita-Ravan Vadham. The program will be hosted by Sugandha Mishra (Sugandha Mishra) and Sugandh Bhosle (Sugandh Bhosle).

Doordarshan Director General Says:

On this occasion, Doordarshan Director General K. Satish Namboodiripad (K. Satish Namboodiripad) said, “Over the past six decades, Doordarshan has not only been a broadcaster but also the voice and vision of India, reaching every home in the country. On this Foundation Day, we once again reaffirm our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and nation-building, so that Doordarshan continues to represent India’s diversity, culture, and aspirations to the world.”

The Beginning of Doordarshan:

Television broadcasting began in India on September 15, 1959, when it was launched in Delhi as Television India (Television India). The inaugural broadcast was inaugurated by then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Dr. Rajendra Prasad). In 1965, regular daily broadcasting began, and a five-minute news bulletin was also introduced the same year. Later, in 1975, it was officially named Doordarshan (Doordarshan), until then it had been part of All India Radio (All India Radio). Initially, broadcasting was only three days a week, for half an hour each day. After the introduction of color television in 1982, viewership increased significantly. Broadcasting of the Asian Games on Doordarshan brought revolutionary changes to Indian television. On November 3, 2003, Doordarshan also launched its 24-hour news channel, DD News (DD News).

Cultural Impact and Popular Programs:

Doordarshan has provided entertainment and awareness to Indian society in equal measure. Iconic serials such as Hum Log (Hum Log), Buniyaad (Buniyaad), Nukkad (Nukkad), Ramayan (Ramayan), Mahabharat (Mahabharat), Bharat Ek Khoj (Bharat Ek Khoj), Chandrakanta (Chandrakanta), Krishi Darshan (Krishi Darshan), Byomkesh Bakshi (Byomkesh Bakshi), and Detective Karan (Detective Karan) won the hearts of viewers. Music and film song programs like Chitrahaar (Chitrahaar) and Rangoli (Rangoli) became favorites across generations. Children enjoyed shows like Shaktimaan (Shaktimaan), Junior G (Junior G), Malgudi Days (Malgudi Days), Gali Gali Sim Sim (Gali Gali Sim Sim), and Shaka Laka Boom Boom (Shaka Laka Boom Boom), which contributed immensely to Doordarshan’s popularity.

Advertisements such as Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (Mile Sur Mera Tumhara), Buland Bharat Ki Buland Tasveer (Buland Bharat ki Buland Tasveer), and the education-related campaign Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan) continue to symbolize unity and industrial development.

India’s Voice, Identity, and Culture:

Today, Doordarshan, with its vast network of studios and transmitters, reaches over 50 million households across the country. It remains India’s largest broadcasting institution, providing television, online, and mobile services to urban and regional audiences, as well as viewers abroad.