India celebrates the launch of its 500th community radio station in Aizawl

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnav recently inaugurated India’s 500th community radio station, ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’, in Aizawl. She also announced the winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards. This programme shows that the government is serious about using media to engage more people in their communities.

Importance of Community Radio

Community radio provides an opportunity for local people to be heard and allows people to communicate at a local level. It encourages participation in politics, artistic expression and social change, making it an important part of the media landscape. The launch of Apna Radio is in line with the government’s Act East strategy, which aims to improve community well-being and connectivity, especially in the Northeast of India. It shows dedication to listening to local issues and stories.

Awards Summary

The National Community Radio Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by stations in a range of categories, highlighting innovation, cultural promotion and sustainability.

Award Categories

1. Thematic Awards – celebrating specific impactful themes.

2. Most Innovative Community Engagement Award – creativity in audience participation.

3. Promotion of Local Culture Award – highlighting local traditions and culture.

4. Model of Sustainability Award – promoting sustainable practices in radio operations.

Award Winners

Thematic Awards:

• 1st: Radio Mayur, Bihar (Tech Sakhi)
• 2nd: Radio Kochi, Kerala (Nirangal)
• 3rd: Hello Doon, Uttarakhand (Meri Baat)

Most Innovative Community Engagement Award

• 1st: Yerlawani Sangli, Maharashtra (Kahaani Sunandachi)
• 2nd: Vayalga Vanoli, Tamil Nadu (Build a New Norm)
• 3rd: Salaam Namaste, Uttar Pradesh (Made Didi )

Promotion of Local Culture Awards:

• 1st: Radio Brahmaputra, Assam (Igarekun)
• 2nd: Radio Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu (En Makkaludhan Oru Payanam )
• 3rd: Radio Active, Bihar (Anga Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar)

Sustainability Model Award

• 1st: Radio Benzinger, Kerala
• 2nd: Radio Namaskar, Odisha
• 3rd: Radio Antarwani, Karnataka

Source

Charaideo Moidam in Assam declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site