Doordarshan’s Logo: A Journey from Black and White to Saffron
Doordarshan (DD), India’s public broadcaster, recently made headlines when it changed its logo from ruby red to saffron. This decision sparked criticism from opposition parties who accused the broadcaster of aligning itself with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is closely associated with the color saffron. However, Doordarshan has dismissed these allegations, stating that the change was purely for aesthetic purposes.
The Early Days of DD
DD’s experimental broadcasts began in 1959, and regular daily transmission commenced in 1965. In those early days of black and white television, DD’s logo, known as the ‘DD Eye,’ was color-agnostic.
The Shift to Color
In 1982, coinciding with the Asian Games in Delhi, the DD logo underwent its first major transformation, adopting an orange or saffron hue against a dark green background. This may have been a subtle nod to the colors of the Indian flag.
The Iconic ‘Eye’ Logo
The original ‘DD Eye’ logo was designed by Devashis Bhattacharyya of the National Institute of Design (NID). The logo, inspired by the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, was chosen by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It underwent refinements throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with students from NID playing a key role.
The Doordarshan Tune
The signature Doordarshan tune, an integral part of the broadcaster’s identity, was composed by sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and shehnai maestro Ustad Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan. It was first aired in 1976 and quickly gained iconic status among viewers.
The Evolution Continues
Over the years, the DD logo has been consistently updated to reflect changing times. The original ‘Eye’ was animated by RL Mistry, and the tagline ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ was eventually removed from the logo.
