early times report
Jammu, Sept 17: Doordarshan, India’s first and most trusted broadcaster, today marked its 66th Foundation Day with a grand cultural evening titled “Shabdanjali – A Cultural Evening from Tradition to Modernity.” The celebration, held in New Delhi, brought together eminent artists from across the country to showcase the depth of India’s cultural heritage alongside its vibrant contemporary creativity.
Since its inception on 15th September 1959, Doordarshan has been more than just a broadcaster.
It has served as the nation’s cultural mirror, chronicling India’s social, political, and cultural journey over the past six decades. From pioneering black-and-white transmissions to the digital era, Doordarshan has consistently adapted to the changing times while remaining a trusted voice for the people.
This year’s Foundation Day cultural programme celebrated this rich journey through performances that highlighted music, drama, dance, and storytelling traditions of India. Programme Highlights • Maithili Thakur – Voice of Tradition with a Modern Soul Renowned for her powerful yet melodious renditions, Maithili Thakur presented Bhajans and Thumri. With her ability to connect devotional and folk traditions to contemporary
audiences, she left the audience spellbound.
• Vusat Iqbal Khan & Abaad Ahmed – The Legacy of Dilli Gharana
Representing the historic Dilli Gharana, one of the oldest schools of Hindustani classical music tracing back to Ameer Khusro, Vusat Iqbal Khan performed Jugni and Khusro’s immortal Kalaams—Chhap Tilak and Dama Dam Mast Qalandar. He was accompanied by Abaad Ahmed, winner of Wah Ustad Season One, who opened with Raag Ahir Bhairav in the Khayaal tradition. Their joint performance celebrated the spirit of devotion, love, and unity through Sufi music.
• Artists of Devanchal ki Prem Katha
The cast of Doordarshan’s much-loved serial Devanchal ki Prem Katha recreated their narrative live on stage. The performance told the story of two differently-abled lovers, blending traditional values with reflections on modern-day challenges. By delivering original dialogues in character, the actors immersed the audience in themes of love, resilience, and humanity.
• Dance-Drama: Sita-Ravana Vaadam – The War of Words
A unique fusion of Kathakali and Kuchipudi, this dance-drama reimagined the legendary confrontation between Sita and Ravana. Introduced by Hanuman as the Sootradhara, the production unfolded with Sita Pravesha Daruvu in Telugu, followed by the abduction sequence and Sita’s grief in Sita Shokam.
The performance culminated in a powerful vaadam (war of words) that questioned society’s view of women through the ages, closing with a message for every woman to awaken her inner Durga.
Anchors of the Evening
The celebration was hosted by the charismatic duo Ms. Sugandha Mishra and Shri Sanket Bhosle, who added humour, energy, and warmth, creating the perfect blend of festivity and culture.
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