Order of places where Doordarshan launch its operations

Identify the correct chronological order of places where Doordarshan launched its operations  

(A) New Delhi — Kolkata — Mumbai — Chennai

(B) New Delhi — Chennai — Mumbai — Kolkata

(C) New Delhi — Mumbai — Kolkata — Chennai

(D) New Delhi — Mumbai — Chennai — Kolkata

Correct Ans: (C)

Explanation:

Doordarshan, India’s national television network, began its journey in 1959 and gradually expanded to different cities. Understanding this timeline helps in analyzing the growth of television broadcasting in India.

1. New Delhi (1959)
   Doordarshan launched its first-ever television service in New Delhi on September 15, 1959. Initially, it operated on an experimental basis under All India Radio (AIR). At first, the broadcast focused on educational and development programs.
2. Mumbai (1972)
   After more than a decade, Doordarshan extended its services to Mumbai in 1972. Since Mumbai was a major commercial hub, this expansion significantly increased television’s reach and influence in India.
3. Kolkata (1975)
   Doordarshan continued its expansion by launching its service in Kolkata in 1975. Notably, this move helped in promoting regional content and reaching a wider Bengali-speaking audience.
4. Chennai (1975)
   In the same year, Doordarshan also began its operations in Chennai. With this, television services covered India’s four major metropolitan cities. Moreover, regional programming started gaining momentum after this phase.

In conclusion, the correct chronological order of Doordarshan’s expansion is:
New Delhi (1959) → Mumbai (1972) → Kolkata (1975) → Chennai (1975).
Ultimately, this expansion played a crucial role in shaping India’s television landscape.