On May 21, Prasar Bharati announced shortlisted finalists for a logo competition that was conducted by Doordarshan. The public service broadcaster selected five logos out of more than 10,000 entries that the channel received between July and August 2017.
Doordarshan Logo Contest – Here are the top 5 logo designs selected out of more than 10,000 entries. pic.twitter.com/qV8Ni2Zkj8
— Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) May 20, 2019
According to Shashi Shekhar, CEO of Prasar Bharati, the channel shortlisted logos in an effort to modernise its network. In a 2017 statement put out by Doordarshan, the objective of designing a new logo was to evoke a sense of nostalgia, while “the aspirations of new India”:
“Doordarshan logo over the years has inspired deep nostalgia of an era when the public broadcaster was the only television channel of the country. With the opening up of Television market to private channels, a whole generation of youth need to connect and identify with DD. In order to engage with India’s youth and to get a mindshare for DD brand within the current generation, DD is seeking a new logo design.”
However, some on Twitter criticised the designs:
Any junior artist in our graphic set up would have done better. Hate this competition business. Which self respecting professional will submit for a competition? Which is why this is the outcome.
— | nisheeth sharan | (@nisheethsharan) May 21, 2019
Sir, forget about your graphic designers, even i can do better than this.
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) May 21, 2019
Bro, aap abhi tak 1986 me ho.
— Rahul Raj (@bhak_sala) May 20, 2019
If these are the top 5 out or 10,000 entries I am sure the contest did not reached the right audience or the selection committee has no clue about design @SparklinGuy
— Rahul Saini (@rahulsans) May 21, 2019
primary school mein karwaya tha kya contest?
— Rofl Gandhi (@RoflGandhi_) May 21, 2019
Really? I participated in this contest because many of my followers asked me for the same but now I am feeling happy that I didn’t waste my time in other government design contests. pic.twitter.com/Qe6e3vT9NN
— Sahil Dev (@DesignerBanda) May 21, 2019
While others reminisced about the old days of Doordarshan:
After seeing this – the old one looks fabulous. Please let it be
— The DeshBhakt (@akashbanerjee) May 21, 2019
Why change?.We have a lot of memories associated with the old one. Its not just a logo. It was an inseperable part of our life way back then.
— NP (@nitinuprabhu) May 20, 2019
Everyone loves the old logo. Please find something closest to that with a slight modern spin. And bring back the old jingles. People will love it.
— Abhishek Ravindra (@Abhigonibeed) May 21, 2019
The finalists will receive a prize of Rs 1 lakh each.
