I got my cable disconnected 2 more than 2 years ago and since then its back to good old DD. DD News and DD1. I used cable for a few years and except for the informative channels like Nat. Geographic and Discovery and English movies and comedy serials, believe me there is nothing much to miss. DD News is now very professional and responsible, does not sensationalise civil disturbances like private news channels and the programmes on the main channel are more sensible, though less glamourus than the K-series crap. Certain programmes of national importance especially about natural resources, national institutions, enpowering the common man and upliftment of women, do not find sponsors in other channels but its good ol' DD that does the job. What we need is a balance of private and public sector service providers so that both keep each other in control and no one becomes a monopoly. Don't forget that it was MTNL that first hepled in bringing down the astronomical private cell phone tarrifs. Private institutions can turn into a monopolistic cartel without Govt. competition.

Regards, Rony.

----- Original Message ----- From: sherlock@vsnl.com

Yeah only serious government propoganda about foreign hands and India is Indira and the great achivements of government undertakings and how fortunate we were to be accepted as subjects of the great congress raj. Never mind it took 8 yrs to get a phone, and a lathi charge and tear gas to book Hamara bajaj. Two generations brainwashed by utter rubbish in the guise of patriotism. OH how i miss propoganda. If only DD makes it's archives public it would provide great entertainment