DD Kashir is a regional subsidiary television station of Doordarshan in Jammu and Kashmir owned by Broadcasting Ministry of India. It focuses on the tradition of Kashmiri culture and heritage operating from Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, Jammu and Leh. Apart from the clock transmission through satellite, it has also got terrestrial support between 06:00 hrs to 00:00 through some high power transmitter (HPTs) located in the state. Therefore, it is both a Satellite as well as a Terrestrial channel. It forms a part of DTH platform of Doordarshan. The channel produces programme in 12 different dialects spoken across the valley. These include Kashmiri, Urdu, English, Hindi, Dogri, Ladakhi, Punjabi, Gojri, Pahari, Balti, Sheena and Pashtoo.
History of DD Kashir
Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar is the third (Kendra) after Delhi and Mumbai. It was commissioned on 26th of January, 1973. But it was established as a separate regional channel after its inauguration on 6 June, 2000. It was founded by Shri I.K Gujral, the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting on 9 May, 1970. Initially a 10KW transmitter was commissioned and the programmes were produced only in black and white. Later on tow studios were initiated for recording programmes of different formats. Since then the channel has made great impact not only by increasing the duration of programmes but by producing broadcasting activities according to the tastes of the people and fulfilling expectations of different sections of the society.
In 1973, a few programmes based on interviews, documentaries, songs and drama used to be the only software inputs that were telecast for the viewers. Gradually with passage of time the channel underwent many changes and serials, telefilms, variety shows, concerts, poetic symposiums, quiz competitions, chat shows, etc. started to develop.
Role of DD Kashir
DD Kashir has played a major role in the development of the valley as a whole by projecting the cultural heritage of the place. It reflected the mesmerising beauty of the land. Doordarshan Srinagar has played a key role in educating the people of this border area by showing them economic conditions and changes of the country through its programmes. It has produced programmes on the distinct socio cultural heritage, environmental awareness, promotion of tourism, promotion of sports, public issues and upholding national Integration and communal harmony. It is concentrated on the projection of rich cultural heritage of different ethnic groups, development of agriculture, employment issues, development of scientific structure, small scale industries etc. with an overall approach of making the people aware. It is also focused on educating and entertaining the people.
Programmes broadcasted in DD Kashir
The kashmiri version of the internationally recognized programme, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" in English, Kaun Banega Crorepati in Hindi and in Kashmiri- Kus Bani Koshur Korarpaet was chosen by Doorshan for telecasting on DD Kashir as a part of their process of revamping the channel. One of the most attention grabbing shows on DD Kashir is Halat-e-Hazira which is being telecast in the prime time as a News and Current Affairs show. The shows highlights day to day issues of local importance including health, education, employment issues, tourism, law and order, etc. More than 300 episodes of the show have already been telecast. Another programme called "Galli Galli Sim Sim" dubbed in kashmiri is also very popular among the children of Kashmir. It serves as an entertainment programme for the children. They have also launched an Youtube channel which has become extremely popular. The number of subscribers on Youtube has reached more than 85000 within a short time.
