MUMBAI: Every year, November 12 is celebrated as Public Service Broadcasting Day to commemorate the historic occasion when Mahatma Gandhi visited the Delhi station of All India Radio (AIR) to record a message for grief-stricken refugees in the aftermath of the partition.

In keeping with the tradition, this year, Doordarshan’s (DD) Marathi channel DD Sahyadri will air a show titled Shiledar Rashtranirmitiche on 12 November from 10:00 pm to 12:00 pm to honour individuals from different walks of life who’ve contributed significantly to the cause of public service.  

Conceptualised by Mukesh Sharma and produced by Shrikala Hatangade, the show will felicitate the likes of Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari, Ameen Sayani, Dr B K Goyal, Yashwant Deo, M N Singh, Karun Shrivastav, Tabassum, Madhukar Bhave, Daksha Mashruwala, Rajan Welukar, Ujjwal Nikam and Kiran Shantaram.

“I believe that commercial broadcasting is for consumers while public broadcasting is for citizens” says DD Sahyadri director general Mukesh Sharma, highlighting the need for a pubcaster at a time when commercial broadcasting has pipped it at the post.

Recorded at DD’s plush new studio using five high definition cameras, Shiledar Rashtranirmitiche comprises audio videos created for each of the twelve achievers by program executive Sunita Godbole. These clips have the chosen personalities talking about their achievements in various fields, along with anecdotes from the past.
In the show, Deo says: “Previously, songs were only meant for the ears, now, a song cannot be heard without watching it as well” while Tabassum revisits her 44 years with Doordarshan and how she evolved from AIR to DD.

Says public prosecutor Nikam: “I always make sure the DD camera is there when I am speaking after a case because it reaches the remotest corners. It is the only news that gives you correct facts.” Dr Goel too favours DD saying it covers news that is usually left aside by the commercial television channels. “Lots of health issues are brought out through shows on DD that aren’t done by other channels so much,” he says.

On his part, Singh urges DD to telecast shows that highlight the critical role played by policemen and doctors so that people are aware of how tough their job is rather than simply criticising them. Watch the show at 10pm on 12 November on DD Sahyadri.