New Delhi, 15 September 2025 — Marking the 66th Foundation Day of Doordarshan, a special book titled “Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Television” by veteran journalist and news anchor Sheila Chaman was officially launched at a commemorative event hosted by Delhi Study Group in collaboration with Om Books International.
The launch took place at the Deputy Chairman’s Hall, Constitution Club of India, and was attended by a distinguished gathering of political leaders, media veterans, and cultural icons. The Guest of Honour, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Former Deputy Minister for Information & Broadcasting, formally unveiled the book alongside Sheila Chaman, who also conducted the event.
Notable attendees included legendary newsreader Salma Sultan, celebrated presenter Jyotsna Rai, Ashok Tandon, Member of the Prasar Bharati Board, as well as former Doordarshan news anchors, cameramen, producers, and technical staff—making the event a heartfelt reunion reminiscent of Doordarshan’s glory days.
Renowned TV journalist Sudhir Chaudhry, a former trainee of Sheila Chaman, praised the book for capturing the true essence of an era when television served as a unifying force in Indian homes.
Speaking at the launch, Sheila Chaman remarked,
“Doordarshan is more than just an institution—it is a feeling, a shared memory. This book aims to encapsulate not just the faces and shows, but the ethos of a time when television brought the nation together.”
Adding to the sentiment, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad noted,
“Sheila Chaman’s book captures the soul of Indian television—the warmth, simplicity, and integrity that defined Doordarshan. It’s a fitting tribute to a cultural era that deserves to be remembered.”
The event featured nostalgic discussions and anecdotes about iconic programmes like Krishi Darshan, Chitrahaar, Hum Log, Ramayan, and Mahabharat, reaffirming Doordarshan’s lasting impact on Indian society.
About the Book
Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Television is a rich, nostalgic chronicle of Doordarshan’s formative years. Through vivid storytelling and behind-the-scenes accounts, Sheila Chaman paints a picture of how India’s national broadcaster became the cultural heartbeat of the nation.
About the Author
Sheila Chaman is a pioneering figure in Indian television, with over three decades at Doordarshan as a journalist, anchor, and documentary filmmaker. Her work combines deep industry insight with a passion for storytelling and social advocacy.
About the Publisher
Om Books International is one of India’s leading English-language trade publishers, with a wide-ranging catalogue of fiction, non-fiction, and cultural works. OBI has received accolades including the Romain Rolland Book Prize (2020) and FIP’s Excellence in Book Production Award (2015).
