Akhandadhi Das - 02/11/2026

On this day 90 years ago, the BBC launched the first regular public high-definition (for its time) TV service from the mast at Alexandra Palace. And the BBC has organized talks and an exhibition there to commemorate the occasion. Only around 500 people saw the original broadcast. But, it certainly caught on… in its first year, covering the coronation of George VI and the Wimbledon Championships. There’s no doubt that television opened our nation’s eyes to world events previously known only through newspaper and radio.

Over the decades, this power to witness history unfolding has influenced our moral and social outlook on many major situations: famines in Africa, the civil rights movement and anti-war demonstrations in America, our attitude towards HIV and the crisis of the environment.

The Bhagavad-gita asks us to consider the plight of others by considering how we would feel; and what we would want others to do to help us in such circumstances.

But, at times, this can feel overwhelming. Our window to the world is so open, so unrelenting, and often presented in a way to provoke a particular reaction. In just the past few days, we have seen the misery of a devastating train crash in Spain, the relief of Ukrainian refugees returning to their families, and the calls for the acknowledgement of the evil history of slavery.

These images invoke contrasting emotions; and each begs us to consider the wider implications. To see and reflect on others in desperate need, the Vedas say, can be agonizing. Especially, if we feel there’s little we can do to make a real difference. I wonder if our hearts are big enough to cope? Maybe it’s easier to take control of our screens and retreat into personalized viewing content – choosing how we wish to be Informed, Educated and Entertained.

Are we in danger of turning this window onto a wider world into a mirror of our own insular life?

As many Hindus and others prepare for the Diwali festivities in the coming week, they may reflect on the call of the Gita to be “great-hearted” – to bring light where there is darkness. Such darkness in this world cannot be counter-acted by the light of the screens of electronic devices and what they show to us. But by how we allow what we see on those screens to illuminate our hearts; to replace preconceptions, fears and antagonisms with understanding, compassion and resolve.