Public Service Broadcasting Day - 2025

(Jan Prasaran Divas)

Public Service Broadcasting Day on 12 November commemorates the day Gandhiji made his first and only live broadcast on All India Radio. On this day in 1947 Gandhiji addressed more than 2 lakh refugees at the Kurukshetra Camp from Broadcasting House, New Delhi. Gandhiji held no public office or position in Government and it was truly a public service broadcast. Since 2000, this day has become an occasion to spread awareness about the concepts and values of Public Service Broadcasting in the country.

Commemoration at the Gandhi - King Memorial Plaza: 10:30 – 11:00

Followed by Discussion at C.D Deshmukh Auditorium: 11:00 – 12:15

Usha Mehta's tryst with freedom on radio: during the Quit India Movement Usha Mehta was arrested on 12 November 1942 and the Underground Radio Transmitter confiscated in Bombay. Ms Basudha Banerji, former Documentary Producer, All India Radio and Shri S.N. Sahu, former Press Secretary to President K. R. Narayanan, relive the moment.

Discussion on Public Service Broadcasting: Broadcasting as a public resource

Lead Presentation: Shri Suhas Borker, Mediaperson and Convener, Jan Prasar

(Collaboration: Jan Prasar)

The scene of the burning of Kamadeva by Siva, with verses from Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhavam

Presented by Margi Madhu, son and disciple of Guru Moozhikkulam Kochukuttan Chakyar, who was the torch bearer of the Ammannoor style of acting with artists of Nepathya – Centre for Excellence in Kutiyattam

Kutiyattam is one of India’s oldest living theatrical traditions. In 2003, it was proclaimed Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO

Featuring Snezhana Zagorodnyaya (bassoon) and Zakhar Atamanenko (piano), two gifted scholarship recipients and laureates of major international competitions. Both have performed with leading orchestras across Russia and the CIS, and participated in renowned programmes such as Sirius, Artek, and Moscow Meets Friends.

(Collaboration: Russian Cultural Centre, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India)
 

By Shatavisha Mukherjee from Kolkata, disciple of Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar 
Accompanists: Durjay Bhaumik (tabla); Vinay Mishra (harmonium)

(Collaboration: ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata)

A unique performance and reflective talk that explores the profound connections between art, peace, and womanhood. Through her innovative choreographies, music, and narratives, she traces her journey as a dancer while honouring the artistic legacy of her mother, and Guru Bharati Shivaji.

Vijayalakshmi is an internationally acclaimed exponent of Mohiniyattam. Daughter and disciple of Bharati Shivaji. A recipient of several prestigious awards, including from the Kerala Sangeet Natak Academy and the Regents Lecturer from UCLA. She has performed in India and the world, sponsored by The Government of India, including the Bolshoi Theatre, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Lincoln Centre. Her prominent productions include Unniarcha, inspired from Kalaripayattu; Swan Lake, etc.

(Collaboration: The Raza Foundation and WISCOMP)
 

Flute Recital
By Saurabh Banaudha from Lucknow, son & disciple of Guru Late Pt. Niranjan Prasad
Accompanist: Daksh Makwana (Tabla)

At 18.30
Hindustani Vocal Recital
By Debraj Gupta from Kolkata, disciple of Pt. Pt Aniruddha Bhattacharya,
Accompanist: Subrata Dandapat (Tabla)
 

A Billion Butterflies: A life in Climate and Chaos Theory
By Dr Jagadish Shukla (St Martins Press, 2025)

Discussants: Shyam Saran, President, IIC; Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Former Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India; Ajit Seth, Former Cabinet Secretary; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary to Government of India Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Jagadish Shukla, Author of the book
 

Ram Kumar - Nostalgic Longing 
(50 min;2010; English)

Directed by Laurent Bregeat

In this film Bregeat enters the world of the reclusive and introspective abstractionist Ram Kumar, exploring his life, his philosophy, his views and how they play out in his work

(Collaboration: Raza Foundation)
 

SRI AUROBINDO: An Indian Mystic Who Worked for Human Unity: 
2022; English
 

49-minutes film offered by Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) was a seer, thinker, poet, and patriot who presented a rational vision of spirituality that harmonizes science and inner growth. He guided individuals toward a meaningful life without renunciation or ritual, embodying a rare synthesis of the East and the West. 
The film captures his remarkable life, teachings, and vision of human unity in under an hour.

A discussion with the scriptwriter, Dr. Ramesh Bijlani, will follow the screening.

(Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama)
 

Odissi Recital
By Khyati Rawat from Noida, disciple of Guru (Dr.) Jyoti Shrivastava

At 18.30
Mohiniattyam Recital
By Vishnupriya Marar from Delhi, disciple of Guru (Dr.) Neena Prasad