Doordarshan

Background
Doordarshan is a state-owned media company in India. Doordarshan has been in service since 1959 when it began as a radio station. Its popularity did not rise until Indian PM Indira Gandhi realized its full potential as a television station. Doordarshan was serving 8 major cities in 1975. Nationwide transmission began in 1982 when the Asian Games were held in Delhi. Until 1991, Doordarshan was the only channel in India, before the inception of privately owned channels such as Star World.

1st ID (September 15, 1959-April 1, 1976)
Visuals: On a black background, the All India Radio logo is shown with the text "दूरदर्शन" (Doordarshan) below it. Below the Doordarshan text, the words "EXPERIMENTAL TELEVISION" appear in a smaller font.

Variant: After Doordarshan started regular transmissions in 1965, the "EXPERIMENTAL TELEVISION" text was removed, the fonts for "आकाशवाणी" and "दूरदर्शन" were changed, the "AIR" text in the logo was boldened, and the space enclosing "आकाशवाणी" became white while the "आकाशवाणी" text became black. The background was also changed to a black marble pattern.

Technique: Printed image.

Audio: None.

Availability: It was recently discovered on an AP Archives video.

2nd ID (April 1, 1976-mid 1990s)


Visuals: On a black background, a red circle outline with the black swirly vortex inside is seen zooming. In the center, two red streaks of gas appear orbiting around the center. The vortex disappears. While two streaks continue to orbit, a solid red circle appears in the middle. As it continues to zoom closer, gas streaks solidify into two crescent arcs to form the abstract eye. The word "दूरदर्शन" (Doordarshan) appears in the pupil. The entire logo zooms back to a comfortable distance to reveal more Sanskrit words "सत्यम शिवम सुन्दरम " under the eye.

Trivia: The Doordarshan eye was designed by Devashis Bhattacharya, a former National Institute of Design (NID) student.

Technique: Motion-controlled animation done by RL Mistry.

Audio: A slow instrumental arrangement of the patriotic song "Tarana-e-Hindi (Anthem of Hindustan)", composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Legacy: A favorite of many Indians.