NEW DELHI: Commemorating the 88th anniversary of the first radio broadcast in the country here on Thursday, All India Radio organised a symposium at the National Media Centre on the theme “Naye Bharat ki Rachna aur Prasaran Madhyam”.
The symposium was inaugurated by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Colonel (Retired) Rajyavardhan Rathore.
In his address, Col. (Retired Rathore used beautiful words to describe the role of Akashvani in serving a fast changing Indian society through admirable innovations in programming and broadcasting technology.
He maintained that “All India Radio does neutral reporting and the work of Prasar Bharati cannot be compared with any other organisation.”
The other speakers at the event were Dr. A. Surya Prakash, Chairman, Prasar Bharati; Jawahar Sircar, CEO Prasar Bharati; Tarun Vijay, BJP Member of Parliament; Amit Baruah, Resident Editor of The Hindu; Eminent professor and writer, Dr. Anamika; Social Media expert Pranjal Sharma and Veteran broadcaster Madhukar Upadhyay.
All of them referred to the glorious contributions of All India Radio, but at the same time, highlighted the need to change and adjust to a fiercely competitive media and broadcasting market.
They called for adapting with new technology and to move ahead. They also spoke at length about the pros and cons of media in the 21st century and the need to meet the demand for the privatisation of radio news to ensure that reaches out to all corners of the country.
There was also insightful information shared on how the internet helps radio, and a suggestion that both can co-exist to supplement each other by Pranjal Sharma.
Dr. A. Surya Prakash, Chairman Prasar Bharati, said, “ Prasar Bharati is going to be the effective vehicle in delivering welfare messages and bringing in a change”.
Jawhar Sircar, CEO, Prasar Bharati said, "Emotional unity has happened to a large extent with the help of our national broadcaster."
He also said, "Classical music was drilled into our senses through Akashvani."
On July 23, 1927, the first broadcast was done by the Bombay Radio Club and the welcome session was addressed by then Chairman of Indian Broadcasting Company, Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoolahad, at Radio House in Apollo Bunder, Bombay.
It got the name Akashvani in September 1935, when broadcasting began in the princely State of Mysore.
Finally, on June 8, 1936, the name All India Radio was given to the Public Service Broadcaster.