Doordarshan faces Defence Minister's wrath.
On Saturday morning, judging by her Twitter account, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was in an amazingly happy mood. DD National was showing Tiruvaiyaru Aradhana – an annual music dedication to Saint Tyagraja, one of the greatest composers of classical Carnatic music.
For the uninitiated, Saint Tyagraja(4 May 1767 – 6 January 1847) is considered one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. Along with his contemporaries Syama Satri and Muthuswami, he is considered to be part of the Holy Trinity of Carnatic music.
A joyous Sitharaman tweeted: “Now on @DDNational :- Tiruvaiyaru Aradhana, an annual musical dedication to Saint #Tyagaraja one of the 3 great composers of classical Carnatic music, at his samadhi. #PushyaBahulaPanchami. Traditionally held with participation of/by/for all without discrimination #musicaltreat.”
She went to add: “Thanks @DDNational for live telecast of this musical tradition. Such a treat to watch so many young aspiring musicians, as with every year, joining in the #Aradhana . Music lovers look forward to re-energise themselves by linking here.#Tyagaraja. Now live on @DDNational #Aradhana #Tyagaraja in sweet #Telugu, sung by all. Tyagaraja’s bhakti was the longing of an earthly being to unite with his Maker who he saw in Sri Rama. Tyagaraja cared nothing about living in poor financial condition- just kept pouring out his heart.”
However, her happiness soon turned into anger when DD fell for its old habit and started showing an add before the Pancharatna Krithi (Five Gems) was completed.
She wrote: “Yo @DDNational what! You couldn’t wait for a few moments more for the Pancharatna Krithi-s to be completed. Advertisement and more. #Aradhana #Tyagaraja . Thoughtless, insensitive.”
Long-time DD viewers are well aware about the government broadcaster’s tendency to cut to ads, even while the match is on and many great cricketing moments have been missed because of this infuriating tendency. As one comedian had noted, having grown up watching cricket on Doordarshan, that cricket overs were consisted of five balls!
Reacting to her umbrage, Shashi Shekhar, CEO Prasar Bharati, India's Public Broadcaster and CEO Rajya Sabha TV replied to her on Twitter promised strict action.
He wrote: “Absolutely unfortunate madam. Strict action will be taken.” Union Minister Sitharaman's chagrin is a reminder, that watching Doordarshan along with a billion Indians, is one of life's greatest levellers.
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