[sadhuji]

In 1957, two important events happened in our country. First, it was the year of introduction of the decimal system, the year when the paisa was replaced by the naya paisa, the seer (and in some cases, the pound) by the kilogram, the mile by the kilometer and so on. It was a seemingly difficult changeover for those not literate enough but, the copper one paisa, with a hole in the centre, gradually went into oblivion. In those days, one rupee was equivalent to sixteen of these copper coins while in the revised coinage system, one rupee was equivalent to one hundred naya paise. In the initial stages, the one naya paisa was also manufactured out of of copper but, in due course of time, it was replaced by those made out of aluminum alloys till it died a natural death – today, no one speaks in terms of one paisa, everything is evaluated only in terms of rupees. Exceptions are the footwear of Bata where the trend is to have the price tags in terms of 99 paise, preceded by the rupees.

The second important event of 1957 was the beginning of Vividh Bharati – the variety entertainment program of the All India Radio. It began in a small way from a couple of the radio stations and catered to the masses right upto the remotest village level. As it grew in experience, it began expanding its base and offering the cheapest form of entertainment – restricted to the ears only. The fare was based mostly on film music because that is what is available in abundance in our country. Any film, irrespective of its language, must have its regular quota of songs. In those days, there used to be tough competition from Radio Ceylon. But, the plus point for Vividh Bharati was that it catered to all languages – every state had its representation. Until one day, the service began to air advertisements. The jingles of toothpaste, body soaps and tablets to counter headaches were hummed by the kids of those days. And then there were the Saturday evening programs meant exclusively for the military personnel posted on the borders. These would be compered by celebrities of the silver screen. This trend continues even today.

Over the last 50 years, there have been subtle changes in the overall scenario. All India Radio is today Akashvani; Radio Ceylon is Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. But the charm of the channel Vividh Bharati remains in spite of the FM channels.

[sadhuji]

sadhuji, on Oct 17 2006, 02:57 PM, said:

...... In those days, one rupee was equivalent to sixteen of these copper coins while in the revised coinage system, one rupee was equivalent to one hundred naya paise. .....

should be '.... one rupee was equivalent to sixty four of these copper coins....' error regretted