The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) conferred its lifetime achievement award on Jai Chandiram, former Deputy Director General of Doordarshan.
Ms. Chandiram was among the first women on Indian television and the IAWRT’s first Asian president. Her eclectic career, that included a stint as a part-time actor, inspired a whole generation of professional media women. She was also a champion for women’s rights.
Currently battling cancer, Ms. Chandiram received the award on Friday at her brother’s home in New Delhi.
The award ceremony was attended by the board of the India chapter of IAWRT, according to a release. Reena Mohan, Managing Trustee of IAWRT India, said: “Fifty two years ago, a young woman strode through the portals of Doordarshan. Her trail blazing career and iconic personality touched the lives of many and inspired hundreds of media students, colleagues and friends.”
In the release, Ms. Mohan thanked her for “cajoling, pushing and mentoring many of us women working in film and television to discover our true potential.”
