Friday, March 13, 2009

TELEVISION...

Television got introduced in India on an experimental basis in Delhi on 15 September 1959. This was converted into a regular service in 1965. In the beginning TV sets were quite costly and only the upper class could afford it. From October 1972 a number of TV centres were set up in Mumbai, Srinagar, Jalandar, Kolkata, Chennai and Lucknow in quick succession.

The TV network got a big boost during the ninth Asian Games in November 1982 when 20 transmitters were installed in different state capitals and some important cities. Another landmark was on August 1982 when colour television was introduced in India. Colour TV sets were costlier. Come smaller portable sets black & white and colour. Doordarshan started its national programmes. By 22 February was 563 covering 83.6 per cent of India's population.

Television is a miracle of scientific and technological research. J.L. Baird was the inventor. Radio is audio, while TV is audiovisual. The invention is really a revolution. It has promoted the fields of communication, entertainment and education. We are kept informed fo latest national and international news.

In the comfort of our drawing rooms, we watch films, drama and magicians perform. There are short interesting serials. We hear talks of eminent politician, scientists, editors, scholars, musicians, film stars and other professionals. Their talks add to out knowledge and we keep abreast of developments. Public opinion is moulded. It is a very powerful medium and its reach is stupendous. It is a very powerful medium and its reach is stupendous.

It focuses our attention on evils like untouchability, dowry, sati tradition, child labour, child marriage, drinking gambling, drug addiction. People become aware to root out the evils.

TV is also helpful in popularising science, and government policies and projects as small family norm, tree plantation, adult education, non-formal education employment assistance, and inculcation of civic sense in people inclusive of care of serior citizens and the handicapped.

Corruption is spreading. It can be checked through this mass medium. Also, back marketing, hoarding, smuggling can be stopped.

On the negative side, students waste a lot of time seeing theri favourite programmes. Adults may become sedentary watchers. Or being too close may adversely affect one's eyesight.

Yet, Tv has great entertainment value for sports person watching national and international fixtures. For rural folk there is the agricultural programme and their kind of entertainment and talks.

Educational programmes of different levels are also telecast. When Parliament is in session the highlights may be covered. TV gives us 'live' programmes that could be recorded on VCRs for later viewing. Neighbours and their children may also drop in to watch certain new or good movies if that does not upset the family's privacy.

It has become so much part of our life that it looks like that without it we will be missing something something important in life. Verily, we cannot miss on information, communication and entertainment that keeps us mentally alert and in good humour.

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