Jawhar Sircar‘s Concerns
Jawhar Sircar, a former CEO of Prasar Bharati, expressed concern over the logo change, labeling it as “saffronisation.” He remarked, “National broadcaster Doordarshan colours its historic flagship logo in saffron! As its ex-CEO, I have been watching its saffronisation with alarm and feel — it’s not Prasar Bharati anymore, it’s Prachar (publicity) Bharati!” Sircar’s comments highlight the sensitivity surrounding Doordarshan’s perceived neutrality and independence.
Outlining his opposition, he said in a video, “It’s quite inappropriate to see the national broadcaster has chosen the colour saffron for its branding.” He also termed the move as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, a set of restrictions imposed before elections to ensure a level-playing field for the candidates.
In contrast, in an interview with The Indian Express, Gaurav Dwivedi, the CEO of Prasar Bharati, defended Doordarshan’s logo color change, stating that the decision was based on the channel’s branding and visual aesthetic. Dwivedi emphasized that the new, bright color was chosen to enhance the channel’s overall look and feel. He also highlighted that the logo change was part of a broader upgrade, which included improvements in lighting and equipment. The move reflects Doordarshan’s efforts to modernize and stay relevant in the changing media landscape.Historical Significance
Doordarshan’s logo has undergone several changes since its inception in 1959. Initially featuring a saffron logo, the colors were later changed to blue, yellow, and red. The current logo retains its iconic two petals with a globe in the center but has removed the words “Satyam Shivam Sundaram.” The recent change to saffron has reignited discussions about the broadcaster’s identity and role in Indian media.
Doordarshan’s logo color change has sparked a heated debate, with critics questioning the broadcaster’s impartiality and political neutrality. While the channel maintains that the change is part of a visual upgrade, critics like Jawhar Sircar argue that it represents a deeper shift in the broadcaster’s ethos.
In another recent development, the Centre has mandated that Doordarshan news anchors wear Khadi outfits. This decision, made last month, follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between India’s Public Service Broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, and Khadi India in September 2023.
Under the MOU, anchors of DD News and DD India are expected to promote India’s rich heritage and modernity by wearing Khadi clothing. Additionally, Doordarshan has announced that it will live telecast the morning prayers offered to the Ram Lalla idol daily, further showcasing its commitment to cultural and traditional values.
(With inputs from Agencies)
