The Community Radio movement in India has earned the respect of local communities it strives to serve.
New Delhi: Community radio stations from across the country were awarded for their consistent efforts by India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on the second day of the Seventh National Community Radio Sammelan.
The awards were given for two years including both 2018 and 2019. The awards were divided into five sub-categories including the Best Thematic Programme, Best Community Engagement Initiative, Best Programme for Promoting Local Culture, Best Innovative/ Creative Programme and Best Sustainable Model for Community Radio.
The Community Radio movement in India has not only established itself well at the grassroots level but has also earned the respect of the local communities it strives to serve.
Despite challenges like finances, content generation, trained and skilled personnel, infrastructure and other basic needs, community radio stations in India have emerged stronger and more efficient. They strive to empower people at the grassroots level and connect them to mainstream national aspirations.
For the year 2019, Friends Radio, Tripura, was awarded for its programme Health and Women in the thematic category. While for the year 2018, Radio Namaskar, Odisha, was awarded for its programme Ama Khadya.
Both the radio stations worked towards women issues, using reports and surveys to get to the bottom. Both the programmes reached thousands and created awareness.
The second prize in the same category for the year 2019 was awarded to Salam Namaste, Uttar Pradesh for its programme Salaam Shakti. The station worked relentlessly towards issues related to women’s empowerment.
For the year 2018, Radio Sharda, Jammu Kashmir, for its programme Wangegvoor was awarded. The radio station brought up cultural and social issues.
The third prize for the year 2019 was shared by two radio stations, the first one being, Waqt ki Awaaz, Uttar Pradesh, for its programme Chaukanni Chaardiwari, the station was recognised for its efforts towards the issue of indoor pollution.
The second station which was awarded the third prize was Alfaz-e-Mewat, Haryana, for its programme Kanoon Ki Baat. The channel relentlessly worked towards spreading legal awareness that lead to a better place for all individuals.
The award for the year 2018 was given to Radio MGIRI, Maharashtra, for its programme Unch Majha Zoka. They worked towards addressing cultural and social issues everyday which were being faced by the local community.
This programme spreads awareness among local people against taboos. It also helps the widows to unite and fight for their just rights.
The next set of awards were for the Community Engagement Category.
The first prize for the year 2019, Radio Namaskar, Odisha, for its programme Ama Priya Pakhala, was awarded the first prize, the station was recognised for its efforts in spreading awareness on healthy living using nutrition rich food.
For the year 2018 Radio Madhuban, Rajasthan, for its programme Nanhe Sitare, was awarded. The station recognises children’s talent and encourages them to showcase their abilities through community radio.
The second prize for 2019 was awarded to Pant Nagar Janvani, Uttarakhand, for its programme Ye Kahan Aa Gaye Hum. The Programme reaches out to the cause and effect relationship of climate change.
The Second Prize for (2018) was awarded to Kisan Radio, Uttar Pradesh, for its programme Chalo Gaon Ki Aur. The programme focuses on issues like education, sanitation and medical facilities available at the village level.
The third Prize for (2019) was awarded to KRDA Community Ente Radio, Kerala, for its programme Sneha Sena. The station is being recognised for its relentless efforts towards engaging the local community for the benefit of the deprived and marginalised.
The third Prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Pragya, Uttar Pradesh, for its programme Ladies First. Radio Pragya is being recognised for its efforts towards motivating school children and recognising their talent. Ladies First was introduced for the upliftment of women in society.
The next set of Awards were for promoting local culture category.
The first Prize for 2019 was awarded to Radio Madhubhan, Rajasthan, for its programme Gaon Ri Baten, in the Promoting Local Culture Category. The radio station is recognised for promoting local culture.
The first Prize for 2018 was awarded to Pant Nagar Janvani, Uttarakhand, for its programme Anchal Ki Surabhi. The station has been recognised for its unrelenting efforts towards rediscovering the cultural roots of Uttarakhand.
The second Prize for 2019 was awarded to Radio Yerlavani, Maharashtra, for its Local Cultural Programme, The efforts of Radio Yerlavani are being recognised for promoting local culture. The Local Cultural Programme focussed on promotion and popularisation of local artisans, especially the Jen manufactures.
Second Prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Sharda, Jammu & Kashmir, for its programme Peindh Te Purran. The radio station is being recognised for its efforts towards working for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The third Prize for 2019 was awarded to Radio Media Village, Kerala, for its programme Nattu Nanma. Radio Media Village is being recognised for promoting local culture. The programme Nattu Nanma promoted local culture through education and information.
The Third Prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Madhuban, Rajasthan, for its programme Opno Samaj. The station is being recognised for its accomplishments in connecting the local community with its cultural roots.
The sixth category for awards is for the most creative and most innovative category.
The first prize for 2019 Radio Sarang, Karnataka, for its Program Antarabelaku. The programme focussed on visually challenged listeners.
The first prize for 2018 was awarded t Sanjha Radio, Haryana, for its programme Sports Ki Baat Sanjha Radio Ke Sath. It is for students to show their knowledge and experience and showcase their expertise in the field of sports.
The second prize for 2019 was awarded to Rudi No Radio, Gujarat, for its programme Vasant Panchami.
Rudi No Radio, Gujarat, is being recognised for its relentless efforts to be creative and innovative in its programming. Vasant Panchami, in a very creative way, brings out neglected issues related to girl child and teenage girls. Cultural themes are woven into the content. The programme tells people how the growth and development of a girl child has been celebrated since ancient ages. The invocation of cultural values inspired people to adopt a progressive approach towards girls not only at homes but also in the surrounding communities.
The second prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Media Village, Kerala, Sukritham helps in sharing the lives of people, especially those who have lost all hope and are struggling with severe diseases. When these stories were shared with listeners, it motivated people to come out and lend a helping hand to the needy.
The third prize for 2019 KSR Community Radio, Tamil Nadu, for its programme Mattram, was awarded the third prize. Mattram’s innovative content motivated people to provide food to the needy without spending money from their pockets.
The third prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Pragya, Uttar Pradesh, for its programme, Master Mind. The programme was produced to create an interest in general science amongst students, and to share information about new vacancies and government initiatives.
The third prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Namaskar, Odisha, for its programme Sishu Hasile Duniya Hasiba. The station is recognized for its efforts towards educating students in an innovative way.
The fourth set of awards were for the Sustainability Category.
The first prize for 2019 was awarded to Sanjha Radio, Haryana, for promoting content sustainability at the community radio station.
The first prize for 2018 was awarded to Radio Mattoli, Kerala, for commendable efforts in achieving technical and financial sustainability
The second prize for 2019 was awarded Radio Media Village, Kerala, is being awarded the second prize in the Sustainability category. The station is recognised for its relentless endeavours towards promoting content sustainability.
The second prize for 2018 was awarded to Sanjha Radio, Haryana, and was recognised for its efforts towards achieving sustainability by limiting its expenses.
Source: OneWorld South Asia