News Desk
Kumari, a young woman from a remote village near Jalandhar, Punjab, now living abroad, had always felt the isolation of her surroundings. Her connections to the world were tenuous, limited to sporadic WhatsApp messages exchanged with friends and family.
But recently, a friend introduced her to the Radio Garden app, a digital tool that allows users to tune into FM radio stations from across the globe. Suddenly, Kumari’s universe expanded. With a few taps on her phone, she could listen to her local FM stations in Jalandhar and explore programs and Bollywood melodies from all over India.
Such is the enduring power of radio. Today, on World Radio Day, we are reminded that this medium, which has weathered the onslaught of newer technologies, remains a lifeline for millions worldwide. While the printing press has largely become a relic of history, radio has evolved, adapted, and thrived in the digital age.
From its inception, radio has been a chronicler of history and a purveyor of collective experiences.
On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru’s voice resonated across the airwaves as he proclaimed India’s independence: “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
Decades later, in 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced the imposition of Emergency through the same medium, her voice carrying the weight of a nation’s uncertainty. And when Morarji Desai’s government triumphed in the 1977 elections, radio became the bearer of change and hope for a recovering democracy.
For generations, radio was the primary source of information and entertainment. All India Radio (AIR), the Indian government’s flagship broadcaster, became a trusted voice in every Indian household and for millions of diaspora members worldwide.
Programs like “Akashvani” and “Vivid Bharati” combined news, classical music, and film songs, shaping the cultural and political discourse of the nation.
In recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio program, “Mann Ki Baat,” has exemplified how radio continues to be a medium of direct communication with the masses. Launched in 2014, the program addresses a wide array of topics, from social issues to inspirational stories, while encouraging civic participation. “Mann Ki Baat” has reached millions of listeners, bridging the gap between governance and citizens in a deeply personal and impactful way. It stands as a testament to radio’s ability to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose in a fast-evolving media landscape.
Perhaps no aspect of Indian radio has been as influential as its connection to Bollywood. In the 1950s and 60s, radio was the principal medium for promoting Hindi film songs.
Programs like “Binaca Geetmala,” hosted by the inimitable Ameen Sayani, became household staples. Sayani, with his iconic opening “Behno aur Bhaiyo” (“Sisters and Brothers”), not only entertained but also highlighted the inclusive power of the medium. Families would gather around their radios every week to hear the latest hits, creating a shared cultural experience that transcended regional and linguistic boundaries.
Even today, Bollywood’s timeless music finds a new audience through FM channels and digital platforms, thanks to innovations like the Radio Garden app. The emotional resonance of a favorite song on the radio — whether it’s a classic by Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, or a contemporary hit — remains unparalleled.
The advent of smart technology has not diminished radio’s relevance. If anything, it has given radio a new lease on life.
Consider the case of All India Radio, whose 17 channels are now accessible through Alexa-enabled devices. A simple voice command like, “Alexa, open All India Radio FM Gold,” brings India’s diverse programming to listeners worldwide, from New York to Melbourne.
Digital innovations like the Radio Garden app have further democratized access, allowing individuals in the most isolated corners of the world to connect with voices and music from far beyond their geographic limits. For Kumari, it meant breaking free from the confines of her isolation, discovering new cultures, and reconnecting with her community in fresh, meaningful ways.
On this World Radio Day, let us celebrate the resilience and adaptability of radio. It has been a witness to history, a stage for art and culture, and a voice for those in need. In an age of fleeting digital content, radio endures as a constant companion, bridging distances and fostering unity.
As Kumari’s story reminds us, the beauty of radio lies not just in the content it delivers but in its ability to create connection — across time, space, and generations. And that, perhaps, is its most enduring power.
Let’s enjoy what radio has to offer!
On your PC, you can visit https://radio.garden/ to listen to FM radio stations from around the world. The app is also available for download from the App Store, making it easier than ever to explore the richness of radio on your mobile device.
