Doordarshan celebrates its 67th Foundation Day

Doordarshan celebrated its 67th Foundation Day today, marking a journey that began as an experimental television service on 15 September 1959 and grew into one of the world's largest public service broadcasting networks. Over nearly seven decades, Doordarshan has informed, educated and entertained generations of Indians, brought events of national importance into homes across the country, and provided a platform for India's many languages, regions and cultural traditions.

The anniversary celebrations reflected Doordarshan's continuing transformation for a new generation of viewers while remaining firmly rooted in its public service mandate and the values of credibility, inclusivity and national service.

Doordarshan currently comprises 35 channels - one international, six national and 28 State and Regional Network channels - supported by 65 Studio Centres. Its regional network gives India's linguistic and cultural diversity a prominent place in public broadcasting while reaching audiences and areas that commercial media may not always adequately serve

Digital Growth and Innovation

The launch of WAVES in November 2024 marked an important milestone in Doordarshan's digital journey, enabling audiences to access DD channels and content through a modern OTT environment. Doordarshan has also embraced emerging technologies through initiatives such as the AI anchors Krish and Bhoomi on DD Kisan. 

DD National has built a strong presence across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and WhatsApp through Shorts, Reels, explainers, infographics, quizzes and polls. In the last month alone, the channel recorded 13.8 million views and a reach of 7.7 million on Facebook; 19.4 million views and a reach of 8.9 million on Instagram; and 89.2 million impressions with 12 million views on YouTube. Regional Kendras are amplifying important broadcasts and public service messages in Indian languages, extending their reach across linguistic and geographical boundaries. 

New Programming and Cultural Initiatives

During 2025-26, Doordarshan expanded its content portfolio through commissioned programmes, acquisitions and regional content sharing. New and revived properties included Battle of Bands International, Wah Ustad, Rajni 2.0, Office Office - Musaddi Ki Beti, Zamana Badal Gaya 2, Suraag 2 and Yatra 2. More than 120 international film titles and over 300 episodes of animation content were also acquired for deployment across television and WAVES.

IFFIESTA 2025, curated by Doordarshan during the International Film Festival of India, brought together youth, classical and regional music through formats such as Battle of Bands, Suron Ka Eklavya, Wah Ustad and regional showcases. The initiative gave emerging talent a national platform while connecting broadcast programming with digital audiences.

Public Service with Nationwide Reach

Doordarshan continues to provide live coverage of major events of national importance, including Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, Beating Retreat, swearing-in ceremonies and National Awards. It also brings major cultural and religious events - including Rath Yatra, the Khajuraho Dance Festival, boat races and the International Film Festival of India - to audiences across the country. 

Trust in the Digital Age 

In an environment shaped by misinformation, deepfakes and algorithm-driven echo chambers, Doordarshan's role as a credible public service broadcaster has become even more important. Its way forward combines legacy with innovation, with a focus on accuracy, quality, relevance, inclusivity, audience engagement and digital-first thinking alongside broadcast excellence.

 Foundation Day Celebrations

The 67th Foundation Day was marked by a special programme that brought together distinguished dignitaries, celebrated artistes and the casts of Doordarshan's upcoming television serials. Anchored by Namitaa Sachdeva and Ali Asgar Agha, the programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the welcome address by the Director General, Doordarshan.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati, said that Prasar Bharati's greatest strength lies in its last-mile reach, the authenticity of its information and the credibility it has built over the years. Whether through news or infotainment, its platforms - especially Doordarshan and Akashvani - remain among the country's most trusted sources of information, he added.

Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, Prasar Bharati, extended his warm greetings on Doordarshan's 67th Foundation Day and celebrated its remarkable journey as India's trusted public broadcaster and its enduring bond with generations of viewers. He said that as Doordarshan embraces new technology and contemporary content, it remains steadfast in its commitment to credible information, meaningful entertainment and service to the nation.

Delivering the Foundation Day address, the Chief Guest, Shri Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said that Doordarshan is not merely a television network, but an institution deeply woven into India's social, cultural and technological journey. Tracing its evolution from experimental television in 1959 to the present digital and on-demand era, he said that Doordarshan continues to evolve while remaining rooted in public service. 

Referring to a media environment challenged by fake news, deepfakes and algorithm-driven echo chambers, the Secretary said that trust is one of the most valuable assets of public service broadcasting. He emphasised that Doordarshan's responsibility is not only to inform, but also to provide information that is accurate, responsible, credible and clearly communicated. 

Earlier, Director General, Doordarshan, Ms. Rina Sonowal Kouli, highlighted Doordarshan’s enduring legacy, its commitment to public service broadcasting, and its evolution with fresh and engaging content across television and digital platforms. She also underlined the collective efforts of the Doordarshan family in taking the public broadcaster forward while preserving its trust, credibility and core values.

The cultural programme featured a musical performance by renowned singer Jyoti Nooran and a fusion dance presentation by Shikha Khare and Group. The audience also interacted with the teams of the upcoming Doordarshan serials Sanskaar and Suraag 2.0, reflecting the broadcaster's renewed focus on engaging, original and family-oriented entertainment.

The Sanskaar team included producer K. C. Bokadia and actors Mahesh Thakur, Aman Verma, Darshan Jariwala and Pankaj Berry. Suraag 2.0 was represented by Sudesh Berry, Jigyasa Singh, Sai Ketan Rao and Rehan Mirza ( Writer).