Discovered Feelings!

Disclaimer: This blog does not intend to promote BBC and is aimed at Doordarshan(DD) fans of India!

Once upon a time, DD was the only retreat in our lives, before any of the much raved DTH entered our homes. I so vividly remember the glorious DD programs that were few in number, but were quite good and the choice of programs aired was also very healthy and informative. In contrast to the contemporary emotionally draining soaps or faking reality shows, the then programs were worth a re-watch.

Coming back to my metaphoric title, I am actually watching the Doordarshan of UK i.e. BBC. Thanks to my landlady who blessed us with a licensed Toshiba color TV and by licensed, I meant it is antennae-ted and can pick up few free BBC channels. I am sure you are aware that BBC is not confined to news and telecasts few wonderfully informative and gripping programs. Since these are redeemed free, we can watch up to 5 or 6 channels.

I usually turn on the TV in the evenings for a couple of hours and it is a learning time every day. Few programs that intrigued me are Mary Portas-secret shopper, Documentaries (Big fat gypsy weddings, Bear Family and me, Beauty and Beast), Star gazing live, Will crash diet kill me, Rome was not built in a day. Sheffield diaries and so on. All these programs are well crafted and we can clearly identify the research and hard work gone behind to present a piece of information in an innovative way.

For a matter of fact, they cover a variety of subjects, not limiting to beauty or sports or health letting the viewers transcend the horizons of traditional needs and interests. Moreover, most of them are real reality-shows and truly entertain the dormant souls, sometimes leaving you mesmerized with beautiful facts and life stories. Every channel airs a quick (10-minute) news update once in every 2-3 hours keeping us updated and not over killing us with god forsaken reports.

Talking about the kids programs (CBBC), they are authentically kids oriented and one will be amazed at how information can be instilled depending upon the IQ levels. For example, a history related show known as Horrible Histories, which aims to teach children about the atrocities and mayhem of Kings across the globe, is presented in a humorous fashion ensuring only to teach and not send any hard emotions. I appreciate the learning and content teams behind such programs that carefully mold the masterpieces without breaking hearts.

Regardless of the program, the script used to narrate is very simple to decipher without confusing the viewer. Another vital aspect is the prelude of a show before its start, letting us decide if we would want to watch the forthcoming program or not. Also, considers the parental control so as to prevent kids from watching strong content if any.

In the weekends, one or two channels dedicate at airing famous Hollywood movies and I truly look forward to them. This was so similar to my childhood, when I used wait for the regional movie on DD on Sundays.

Now, this was only a vague overview of the daily dose of TV from BBC and can comprise many more valuable programs.

Please bear in mind that the programs mentioned above are viewed for free just like our DD and continue to be seen the way they are. Routing this TV interest to India, where is our national broadcaster gone these days? Unsure of the reasons behind DD's lost charm, I wonder if we have neglected our own channel and are burning pockets for dish TV!

This is not a platform to debate on why DD has gone down, but I am only asking is there a way that DD can shine and hail again? After all, most of the rural India still relies on this long forgotten channel for its quota of entertainment. So, I question the readers of this post to present their views on how we can bring back our national infotainment beacon?

I am certain, under creative and enthusiastic management DD can bounce back with more of Nukkad, Surabhi, Lifeline, Junglebook, Shriman shrimati, Malgudi days, Tippu Sultan, Chitrahaar, Spirit of Unity , Shanthi etc., that were classic and versatile and once made a positive difference in our lives!