Compared to the hundreds of TV channels we have today, those Doordarshan days with just one or two TV channels were a wilderness of TV programming marred by terrible reception, poor quality shows and frequent interruptions by that colourfully striped screen that said Sorry for the Interruption (रूकावट के लिए खेद है) one of the most frequently aired Doordarshan ‘shows’. And yet there is nostalgia for that time and there are some videos and snatches of music that we enjoy even today:
The Doordarshan montage
We all waited to hear this rather mournful tune each evening, and then proceeded to watch the mind numbingly boring Krishi Darshan. Click here to watch.
Tree of Unity
This little video by the Films Division of India will bring back memories. Rather primitive animation here; but such a simple and lovely message! Wordless yet delightful! Click here to watch.
The Light of Freedom Film
We all loved this one featuring our fave cricketers and other athletes carrying the torch against lovely natural backdrops. Click here to watch.
Indian Railways
This one speaks about our littering and spitting habit, mixed with our general lack of civic sense. Unfortunately this one is as applicable today as when it was first made. Click here to watch.
Ek Anek
This was another delightful little message for national integrity and unison, telling the story through simple examples and a popular folk fable. Click here to watch.
Saksharta Mission video
Who didn’t love this lovely melody and those uplifting lyrics that told us all about the importance of education and the pointed us in the direction of doing our bit to increase literacy! Click here to watch.
1982 Asian Games theme song
Swaagatam (composed by Ravi Shankar) is a lovely composition and also induces dollops of nostalgia! Click here to watch.
Doordarshan News theme
There is a surfeit of news channels today with slick graphics and soundtracks, but this old composition is still a favorite. Click here to watch.
Author Reena Daruwalla
