New Delhi, 17th September 2025: On the momentous occasion of the 66th Foundation Day of Doordarshan, Delhi Study Group, in association with Om Books International, hosted the launch of “Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Television” by veteran journalist and news anchor Sheila Chaman. The event took place at the Deputy Chairman’s Hall, Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, and was graced by distinguished leaders, media veterans, and cultural personalities.
The book was formally released in the presence of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Former Deputy Minister for Information & Broadcasting, who attended as the Guest of Honour. The well-organised event, conducted by Sheila herself, was attended by a wide cross-section of people and personalities from different walks of life. Among them were Salma Sultan, the iconic newsreader; Jyotsna Rai, a popular DD presenter of that era; Ashok Tandon, Member of the Prasar Bharati Board; along with newsreaders, DD presenters, cameramen, and producers.
The gathering felt like a scene from Doordarshan’s golden era, with so many familiar faces present to congratulate Sheila Chaman on her milestone achievement. Sudhir Chaudhry, the ace news anchor who was trained by Sheila during his time at Zee News, praised the book, noting that it beautifully encapsulates the essence of that era and serves as a beacon for those aspiring to join the television medium.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheila Chaman said, “Doordarshan is more than an institution, it is a feeling, a shared memory that united families and communities across India. Through this book, I wanted to capture not just the programmes or personalities but the ethos of an era when television brought the nation together. The overwhelming response today has reaffirmed that Doordarshan continues to live in our hearts as a cultural anchor.”
Adding to the sentiments, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Former Deputy Minister for I&B, said, “I am delighted to see Doordarshan’s legacy being chronicled by someone who has lived through it. Sheila Chaman’s work captures the soul of Indian television—the warmth, simplicity, and integrity that distinguished it from today’s fast-paced media culture. This book will be a treasured reminder of an era where television was not just watched, but experienced together.”
The event witnessed an engaging discussion on the golden years of Doordarshan, interspersed with anecdotes about the making of landmark programmes such as Krishi Darshan, Chitrahaar, Hum Log, Ramayan, and Mahabharat. Eminent personalities from the broadcasting world shared their memories, reinforcing how Doordarshan became the cultural fabric of India.