New Delhi: Doordarshan (DD) is set to telecast a new show on RSS-affiliated NGO Rashtriya Sewa Bharati to be hosted by actors, including Vivek Oberoi and Paresh Rawal.
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is an umbrella organisation under which all RSS-run outfits across India function. Its website states that it works among the economically-weaker sections of society, with special focus on “socio-economically marginalised, tribal and indigenous communities”.
The weekly show — named ‘Samarpan’ — is set to go on air from 17 November and will be telecast every Sunday at 10 am. The show will talk about the different organisations that function under Rashtriya Sewa Bharati and the people associated with them.
The Rashtriya Sewa Bharati has selected the organisations that will be highlighted on the show.
“There are some people who find happiness in others’ happiness, who perform their social responsibilities. To spread social awareness is an important Indian tradition. And our show is a medium to bring to light such stories,” a press release by the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati stated.
“…These people and organisations have devoted their lives to social work such as in the fields of education, health, disabilities, women empowerment, employment, environment etc…Our show aims to highlight such stories of selfless social work happening across the country,” the release added.
Artistes such as Rawal, Manoj Joshi, Oberoi, Sachin Khedekar will host the show, it said.
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DD will be paid by the show’s producers
Sources in Doordarshan told ThePrint that Samarpan will be a sponsored show, for which DD will be paid by the producers.
“DD is only providing a slot for the show under the ‘sponsored’ category for which DD will be paid by the producers,” an official told ThePrint.
DD telecasts shows under both ‘sponsored’ and ‘commissioned’ categories. The ‘commissioned’ programmes are those that have been specifically commissioned by the channel.
Earlier, DD National had commissioned actor Arun Govil to produce a biopic on Sangh Parivar icon Deendayal Upadhyaya. However, it never saw the light of the day after newer modes of getting programmes for DD National were approved.
An official in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had earlier told ThePrint that after Narendra Modi was elected to power in 2014, several producers had made a beeline at Doordarshan office with proposals of shows themed on top RSS figures in the hope that their shows will be commissioned.
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It’s an excellent idea. RSS should invest more in such shows.
Nothing unusual or surprising. DD is controlled by the I&B Ministy that is controlled by the BJP govt. who call the shots. Paresh Rawal is a former BJP MP and Vivek Oberoi is open about his support to the BJP. Nothing amiss. Nobody is forcing anyone to watch any programme on DD and nothing prevents any private channel from airing its own counter programme. Much ado about nothing.