Will Indian Television Improve? A Personal Perspective

The question Will Indian television improve? has been a matter of debate for quite some time. Sadly, the current state of Indian television does not bode well for those who hope for a significant upgrade in terms of content. The TRP (Television Rating Points) system and the misguided belief that the number of episodes equals success have become the bane of quality programming. While there was a glorious era when Indian television produced a reasonable amount of quality content, those days are indeed a distant past.

I Stopped Watching Years Ago

The entertainment landscape on Indian television is, for the most part, a tedious one. TV channels devoted to light entertainment often struggle to capture the interest of viewers. Movie channels, laden with bloated Bollywood flicks and less-than-stellar content, fail to deliver what fans truly seek. News channels, though indispensable, can be painfully flooded with advertisements and puff pieces. Lastly, music channels showcasing Bollywood tunes do not resonate with everyone, if not by choice, then by contemporized musical preferences.

Grandma's TV Universe

The journey to understanding the current state of Indian television can be traced through the eyes of a beloved grandmother. Every evening from 6 PM to 10 PM, my grandmother sits engrossed in her daily soaps, cricket news, and holy lessons. Her channel of choice, COLOR TV, showcases a relentless barrage of subpar content, ranging from epic love sagas to absurd sitcoms. Titles like Sasural Simar Ka, Karan Arjun Saga, and Geon Wali Radhey Maa, among others, epitomize the genre's notorious lack of substance and imagination.

The use of the term 'EPIC' is not a mere hyperbole but a testament to the overcrowding and repetitive nature of these shows. Characters, plots, and themes are recycled left and right, creating a suffocating environment for real storytelling to thrive. Thus, the daily dose of such content is a testament to the television industry's failure to deliver meaningful and engaging narratives.

Discovery of a Beacon of Light

One evening, the tide turned when my grandmother stumbled upon B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat on a seemingly positive channel. The excitement was palpable, and it became clear that the television landscape was not entirely devoid of quality. This realization led to an exploration of a different channel, which I will henceforth refer to as 'EPIC.'

A journey through the offerings of this so-called EPIC channel was both eye-opening and rejuvenating. Programs like Devlok with Devdutt Patnaik, Drishti Documentaries, and Raja Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyaan provided a much-needed respite from the daily dose of negativity. The focus on exploring the core knowledge of Sanatan Dharma and presenting historical and spiritual perspectives without the bias seen in other channels was a breath of fresh air.

Positive Turn for Indian Television

The shift in my grandmother's and my viewing choices is a small indicator of a larger trend. Indian television, while far from being a utopia, is indeed improving. Channels that focus on delivering positive and meaningful content are gaining ground, and this is a welcome change. More channels like the one mentioned (EPIC) are vital to reinvigorating the television industry and providing viewers with content that enriches rather than depletes.

In conclusion, while the road ahead may still be paved with challenges, the signs are encouraging. The television industry, with its potential for delivering quality content, stands at a crossroads. Whether it chooses the path of improvement or remains mired in mediocrity is up to its practitioners. As viewers, our support for channels that improve the viewing experience can drive the necessary change. And for now, I am thankful for the small wins in this Journey through television.