THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In just four months since its launch on June 18, Radio Nellikka has found its way into homes, schools, and hearts of children across the state.
Designed as the state’s first internet radio station focused exclusively on child rights, the platform has already clocked over 2.64 lakh app downloads and reached more than 15 lakh listeners.
Conceived by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR), Radio Nellikka aims to build a more aware, responsive, and child-friendly society.
The app is available round the clock on Android and iOS, although the live programming currently runs for four hours each weekday free of advertisements.
“One of the most popular shows on the platform is ‘Uncle Boss’, a chat show where children call in to share their everyday joys, worries, questions, and ideas. The host, known affectionately as Uncle Boss, offers reassurance and creates a space where young voices are heard with empathy and respect,” said Manoj Kumar, KeSCPCR chairperson.
Other programmes like ‘Aakashadooth’ reads out letters from children, teachers, and parents. ‘Right Turn’ combines fun, motivation, and life lessons in a lively format, while “Immini Balya Karyam” encourages interactive phone-in discussions with students, parents, and teachers on a range of social and cultural topics.
Expert-led shows are another feature planned for the second phase.
“Conversations with psychologists, child rights activists, and medical professionals are lined up. The radio also broadcasts official updates from the child rights commission and public service announcements,” Manoj said.
Interestingly, Radio Nellikka’s reach has extended far beyond the state and country. Malayali listeners from abroad have also tuned in, with 584 users from Saudi Arabia, 495 from the UAE, 130 from Qatar, 115 from Australia, and 94 from the United States.
To expand its base and build better engagement, the station is planning to bring schools into its content creation process. Students will be given topics related to child rights and they can submit their own audio content for broadcast.
This initiative, according to the commission, will totally make it their space.
“In preparation for this, around 3,000 teachers across the state have already undergone training sessions on child rights, child mental health, and cyber safety. These sessions are expected to help teachers guide their students in producing meaningful, child-led content for the radio,” the KeSCPCR chairperson pointed out.
Radio Nellikka is also working to integrate with over 15,000 schools, nearly 30,000 Balasabhas under Kudumbashree, 33,000 anganwadis, and hundreds of child protection institutions. It also aims to connect with more than 21,000 wards across 1,200 local bodies, along with PTAs, NGOs, school clubs, and residential associations in the second phase.
