WILDE
MEMORIES Oscar Wilde / Drama 125 minutes
A series of five programmes pays tribute to the controversial
personality of Oscar Wilde through dramatic presentations of three of
his well-known plays: LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN, SALOME and THE IMPORTANCE
OF BEING EARNEST. These plays are performed by the YATRIK THEATRE GROUP and are directed by Joy Michael. The programme also includes intimate
readings by Roshan Seth (played Nehru in Richard Attenborough's film Gandhi)
of passages from Wilde's DE PROFUNDIS.
GRAHAM GREENE : A Portrait 'without malice'
/ Literature 24 minutes
On the occassion of Graham Greene's 85th birthday, Khuswant
Singh (famous for his writings 'with malice to one and all') presents
an intimate biographical portrait. Greene's philosophy is compared with
that of Gandhi. Three of Greene's best known novels are discussed : BRIGHTON
ROCK, THE POWER AND THE GLORY, and THE HEART OF THE MATTER. In his typically
witty style, Singh takes a dig at why Graham Greene has not yet been awarded
the Nobel Prize.
ON POETRY AND TRANSLATION / Poetry 75 minutes
In a series of three programmes, Agha Shahid Ali, Department
of English in Hamilton College, discusses the many aspects of literary
translation. He talks about Indo-Anglian poetry, Indian influences on
English verse writing, cross-cultural adaptations, and sources of poetic
inspiration. Ali, himself a successful poet, recites some of his enchanting
verse translations.
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY : The Teleteacher
/ Distance
Education 35
minutes
Prof. George Noordhof of Brunel University, London, shares
his experiences and insights in the field of educational technology. Himself
an educationalist as well as a producer of instructional television, Prof.
Noordhof explains how the advantages of the classroom lecture and the power
of the visual medium can be effectively combined for education. He stresses
the importance of planning in educational television. Using excerpts from
some excellent instructional Television series, he illustrates simple techniques
of ETV production that enrich teaching as well as learning.
EDUCATIONAL
TECHNOLOGY : Instructional Designing / Education 22 minutes
Dr. Jenny Johnson, an expert in the field of educational
technology in the University of Maryland, speaks about Curriculum Development,
Educational Communication and Instructional Designing. The use of Instructional
Designing in business and industries for training, and in public school
and higher education is emphasized. The elements of Instructional Design
are explained: needs, objectives, contents, forms, evaluation and revision.
Their importance is highlighted in distance education as well as in the
traditional classroom lecture. Instructional Designing is very useful
for producers of educational programmes in determining the content of
every programme.
EDUCATION
THROUGH TELEVISION / Education 19 minutes
The 'television teacher' is a special element in the production
of educational television. Traditionally, the TV teacher takes responsibility
for the academic content of the programme, and is often the one who 'writes'
it. The danger here is that all concerned in the production think in terms
of a 'lesson' that already exists, and assume that all that is necessary
is to 'televise' the lesson. This approach can lead to a sterile form
of instructional TV, which has the limitations of the classroom lesson
and those of television, and the advantages of neither. A 'television
teacher' who takes part in the planning process as a member of the production
team, can be most useful.
EDUCATION FOR ALL : World University
Service / Education 27 minutes
The programme examines the role of World University Service
in changing social situations in various countries.
REACHING
OUT : The TALKBACK Experiment / Communication 7 minutes
The 'COUNTRYWIDE CLASSROOM' telecasts sponsored by the
University Grants Commission are often criticised as not being interactive
and reciprocal. Apart from the viewers' mail and some pretesting research
surveys, there really seems to be a limit to feedback evaluation. The
student-teacher interaction through these telecasts cannot (and should
not) compare with the immediacy of the traditional classroom. The UGC
has, however, conducted an experiment in participatory television using
sattelite and telecommunication networks. 'Reaching Out' is a promotional
spot announcing this unique TALKBACK experiment.
OBJECTIVES
OF LANGUAGE LEARNING / Linguistics 37 minutes
Paul Gunashekar of the Central Institute of English as
a Foreign Language (CIEFL) discusses the major stages of learning a foreign
language. The reasons for undergoing these stages are examined. Objectives
of learning (and teaching) a second language are explained through interesting
anecdotes.
ALUMINIUM The Wonder Metal -1 / Materials
in Society 28
minutes
After an ethnological introduction to the tribal area of
'Panchpatmali' in Orissa, site of the single largest deposit of Bauxite
in the world, the programme traces the history of Aluminium's scientific
development. The versatility of Aluminium as a contemporary material is
amply illustrated. The mining of Bauxite at NALCO's Panchpatmali reserves,
and the Bayer's process of extracting alumina from the ore at Damanjodi
refinery are intensively documented.
ALUMINIUM The Wonder Metal - 2 / Metallurgy 25
minutes
The method of extracting the metal Aluminium from the Alumina
powder is known as smelting. The programme examines the Halt-Heroult process
of smelting and illustrates the many diverse applications of the primary
metal. The unique material properties of Aluminium, offering immense scope
for machining, rolling, casting, extruding etc., make it the most workable
material in the world.
ALUMINIUM The Wonder Metal - 3 / Environment 26
minutes
When we evaluate any material produced and used in society,
one of the important indicators is its impact on the environment. Like
all large scale industrial processes, the production of aluminium also
has its consequences. But much has been done to mitigate their adverse
effects. The environmental issues related to Bauxite mining, Alumina refining
and smelting are examined, with actual documentation of prevailing conditions
at mines, refinery and smelter. Policy issues and strategies for the Aluminium
industry in India lay special emphasis on the power equation and recycling
capabilitie
KNOWING
BY HEART - 1 : The first Encounter / Health 14
minutes
There has been a rapid increase in the incidence of heart
ailments, even in younger people. Simultaneously, diagnostic technologies
have also made enormous progress. This series of programmes aims at making
familiar some basic diagnostic tools and also tracing their evolution.
'The First Encounter' highlights the importance of establishing a proper
doctor-patient relationship as an essential prerequisite to medical diagnosis.
KNOWING
BY HEART - 2 : The Pulse / Health 25
minutes
The origin of the Pulse, a time-tested tool for cardiac
diagnosis, is explained through animated illustration of the cardiac cycle.
The pulse count is as important as its qualitative analysis. Intelligent
inferences can be drawn from proper pulse readings.
KNOWING
BY HEART - 3 : The Stethoscope / Health 20 minutes
As an extension of the human ear, the Stethoscope is an
invaluable aid to hearing body sounds. It provides information about heart-
beats and related physiological malfunctioning. The evolution of this
instrument of auscultation is traced from Laennec's mono- aural stethoscope
to its modern Doppler version.
KNOWING
BY HEART - 4 : The BP Instrument / Health 13 minutes
Concluding the series on cardiac diagnostic technologies,
this episode gives a detailed exposition of the Blood-Pressure Instrument
: its origins, evolution, scientific principles, applications and limitations.
WASTE
LAND DEVELOPMENT / Environment 28
minutes
The programme deals with the causes, characteristics &
remedies of USAR lands (waste lands). The National Botanical Research
Institute in Lucknow has done commendable work in the reclamation of such
lands. The programme focuses on the biological method of amelioration
of Usar soil. It deals also with the studies and experiments conducted
for the proper economic utilisation of reclaimed lands.
PLANT
VIRUSES / Environment 33 minutes
Microscopic enemies of plants can cause widespread damage
to agriculture. Biological features of plant viruses are examined, and
measures are suggested for preventing viral attacks on vegetation.
MYCOTOXINS / Environment 26
minutes
All over the world there is the problem of food being affected
by mycotoxins. Moisture and humidity in hot climates are identified as
the main conditions for such poisoning. The programme focuses on the steps
for checking the spread of mycotoxins.
SCIENCE
OF FAR AND NEAR / Science 25
minutes
Prof. Hermann Bondi, Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge,
shares his views on cosmology, climatology, astrophysics, science and
religion, scientific education, and a host of other diverse themes.
ERRORS
IN MEASUREMENT / Science 15
minutes
All scientific experiments rely on the accuracy of measurements.
The programme analyses the human, physical, mechanical, environmental
and inherent factors which cause errors in measurement. Guidelines are
given for avoiding such errors, and for making scientifically correct
readings.
PHOTOELECTRIC
EFFECT - 1 / Physics 22
minutes
The programme introduces the phenomenon of Photoelectricity.
The history of its scientific development is briefly traced. Experiments
are conducted to explain important aspects of Photoelectric Effect.
PHOTOELECTRIC
EFFECT - 2 / Physics 23 minutes
The second part of the programme on photoelectricity deals
with Albert Einstein's explanation of the phenomenon and the experimental
verification of his equations by R.A.Millikan.
PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT - 3 / Physics 13
minutes
With the advent of lasers as sources of very intense radiation,
two very important modifications had to be made in earlier concepts of
the photoelectric phenomenon. First, an electron can absorb more than
one photon simultaneously. Second, as a consequence of multiphoton absorption,
we find that the intensity of light also plays a significant role in determining
the threshold frequency.
CONIC
SECTIONS / Geometry 18 minutes
The programme discusses the nature of cross-sections of
a cone. Cutting across a cone along different planes, various shapes emerge
such as Ellipse, Hyperbola and Parabola. Mathematical derivations and
practical applications of these conic sections are explained.
ALL MY SONS : Behind the Scenes
/ Literature / Drama 70
minutes
A critical appreciation of Arthur Miller's all-time favorite
play ALL MY SONS, in three episodes. Miller's dramatic artistry and technical
craftsmanship is brought forth through extracts from a stage performance
by the YATRIK Theatre Group and discussions with Joy Michael, the Director,
and her troupe of actors. The play is a prescribed undergraduate text
in India.
THE STORY OF PI / Mathematics 36
minutes
The programme tells the tale of '22/7'. The origin of Pi
is traced from the invention of the wheel. The contribution of early Hebrew,
Babylonian, Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and later European mathematicians
in enriching the concept of Pi is highlighted. The programme is for Pi-lovers,
but others too will find new meaning in this modest fraction.
A DATE
WITH MATHS / Vedic Maths 39
minutes
Widespread use of the electronic calculator has taken away
some of the challenge of arithmetic computation. Vedic principles of multiple
additions were simple, yet imaginative. These methods, adopted extensively
in later years, not only made multiplication exciting, but also developed
the mental faculties. Some of these original processes are illustrated.
MAKING
MUSIC / Technology 7
minutes
Through a musical rendezvous with Jean-Michell DALMASSO,
the programme traces the creation of music by computers. Jean-Michell
demonstrates the use of Musical Instruments Digital Interface (MIDI) system.
Produced in Paris, as part of a formation in advanced television techniques,
the programme is an interesting illustration of the use of elaborate post-production
editing skills and computer animation.
DIFFERENT
STROKES / Fine
Art 24 minutes
Modern Trends in Calligraphy Calligraphy has come a long
way in the last century. The more access we have to newer technologies,
the more is the need felt to produce things traditionally for individual
expression, and to give the creative spirit a free 'hand'. Margaret Wilson,
a British calligrapher, illustrates the principles and recent developments
in Western calligraphy through the works of Edward Johnston, Irene Wellington,
John Pilsbury, Anne Heckle, Angela Heke, Fredrick Purple, Karl Hoofer,
Tom Perkins, Steven Waugh, Anna Irwin, Susan Hofftan, Denis Brown and
Donald Jackson.
UNDERSTANDING
MONEY - 1 : Doing Without Money / Commerce 15
minutes
The programme traces the origin of money. A brief section
is devoted to primitive societies which have no use for money. Characteristic
features of the barter system are explained. Examples are given of the
system prevailing even today. The inconveniences of the barter system
and the factors which led to the invention of money are explained.
UNDERSTANDING
MONEY - 2 : The Invention of Money / Commerce 24
minutes
The programme is about the primary functions and evolution
of money, commodity money, metal as money and its limitations, early coins,
siege coins, metal content of coins, alloys and their uses in coinage,
coin operated machines, coin manufacture, merits and limitations of coinage.
CONCEPTS
OF SOCIOLOGY / Society 12
minutes
The programme introduces Sociology to the Undergraduate.
It briefly examines three fundamental questions : What is Sociology? What
is a Social Group? What is Social Interaction? The programme establishes
Sociology as a study of group life. It relates social problems to the
functioning of groups and their interaction. It deals with influences
of group life on the individual.
RIP OFF / Civics 7
minutes
The face of a city appears attractive only as long as it
is left untampered and unmutilated. Careless and irresponsible bill- pasting
becomes a grave nuisance to public convenience and sensibility. Posters,
in India, are too often pasted in places where they have no business "sticking
around" - institutional signboards, road indicators, guide maps, historical
monuments, municipal walls, traffic signposts, etc. The programme aims
directly at creating civic awareness against the messing of New Delhi,
the capital city of India.
INDO-ROMAN TRADE / Commerce 37
minutes
David Mac Dowall, Chairman of the Society for South Asian
Studies, British Academy, presents bronzes and glass as objects of Roman
exports to Central Asia. He also illustrates the historical aspects of
coin usage in Indo-Roman trade.
UNEMPLOYMENT : Concepts and Measurements / Economy 42 minutes
Few nations are entirely successful in their quest for
providing full employment to their labour force. Unemployment, in various
forms and degrees, characterises many of the world's economies. In a developing
country like India, the problem is chronic. The programme aims at answering
some basic questions such as : What constitutes a labour force? How is
unemployment measured? What is the nature of the problem in different
types of economies? What are the causes and types of unemployment?
BAREFOOT CAPITALISM : Changing World Economic Order Economy 20 minutes
Guy Sorman, noted economic scientist, journalist and social
commentator from France, discusses the causes and consequences of the
changing world economic order. The programme presents various points of
view and perspectives on socialism and 'barefoot capitalism'. He also
talks about the collapse of the socialist economy in the context of his
book THE UNBORN REVOLUTION.
SRIJANHAAR (Hindi): The Creator / Crafts 23 minutes
Professional artistes and master craftsmen of India gather
every winter at the Surajkund Crafts Festival to display their traditional
handicrafts. In a typical rural setting, in the midst of folk dancers
and puppeteers, these keepers of age old values talk candidly about their
professional priorities.
INDIA FORGOTTEN : A Philosophical Amnesia / Philosophy 24 minutes
Prof Roger-Pol Droit, French Philosopher and Research Scholar
at the National Centre for Scientific Research at Paris, is author of the
book THE FORGETTING OF INDIA. He speaks about why Western thinkers, after
having shown great interest in Indian Philosophy during the 18th-19th centuries,
are now silent about India, or (worse) deny the existence of a proper so-called
'Indian Wisdom'. This, he says, is a baffling phenomenon.
THE RELEVANCE OF GANDHI / Opinion 25 minutes
An affirmation of Gandhi's ideals and philosophies through
an opinion survey on the eve of his birth anniversary. Views are expressed
freely by people of different ages and nationalities from all walks of life.
IRON ARMOUR with a spoon of salt / Health 24 minutes
In India, Anaemia is a common nutrition deficiency disease
prevalent in all segments of the population. Providing prophylactic iron
to correct Anaemia has proved to be insufficient. To combat nutritional
deficiencies, fortification of common food items is one accepted method.
Iron fortified common salt, experimentally administered to a village population
in South India over a monitored period of time, was found to dramatically enhance the iron intake in anaemic persons.
JALMA : Japanese leprosy Missionary Association / Medicine 26 minutes
The Central JALMA Institute of Leprosy in Agra carries
out research in various control and prevention aspects of Leprosy. The
film depicts service, teaching, training and research carried out by the
Institute.
UN-Media
Projects
GOAL WITHIN
REACH (UNICEF/NIUA)
A documentary
film about the cholera epidemic that hit Delhi in 1988, highlighting the
inadequacies of basic amenities in urban areas, and measures to prevent
such human calamities. The film has been translated
"TEEKAY"(Immunisation) UNICEF
A
street-theatre-film on immunisation, shot in the slums of Indore.
ALL WORK
AND NO PLAY (Child Labour) UNICEF - Ministry of Labour
Four
short films dealing with the theme of child labour in the context of rapid
urban degeneration.
"EK SAFAL
PRAYAS" (TREND SETTERS) UNICEF/MNIO
A
Docu-drama in Hindi and English recording the progress of ASHA SADAN an
NGO Delhi which has, with active support from UNICEF, achieved remarkable
success with its Low Cost Sanitation Programme in Najafgarh. It is a story
of community participation.
REACHING
OUT TO STREET CHILDREN (UNICEF/NIUA)
A comparative
study of three Non Government 0rganisations in India working with street
children.
WORKING
TOGETHER (Urban Basic Services Program) (UBSP/UNICEF)
A documentary
expounding the philosophy of the Urban Basic Services Program for the
urban poor as witnessed in the slums of Delhi, Faridabad, Vijaywada, Siliguri,
Hyderabad, and Allepy. Active Community participation and the ingenuity
of project co-ordinators in bringing various developmental programs under
the UBSP umbrella is the focus of this film.
PARTICIPATORY
RURAL APPRAISAL (UNICEF: Water
Section)
The
film is a documentation of a workshop held in Ranchi, highlighting the
'bottoms-up' approach in rural development.
STEPPING
FORWARD (UNICEF)
The
village contact drive in Rajasthan for propagating the message of Safe
Motherhood.
ACUTE
RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS (WHO)
Three
training modules targeted at grassroots level health workers and professional
medical practitioners on the subject of preventive and curative measures
for tackling acute respiratory infections in infants.