On February 13, 2024, The 7th Edition of The Radio Festival (TRF) took place at the India International Centre in New Delhi, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prasar Bharati, UNESCO, and SMART. Under the theme ‘100 Years on Air: Keep it Loud’ and commemorating 20 years of Community Radios in India, the event showcased the rich history, current significance, and future potential of India’s radio broadcasting industry.
The event kicked off with a lively and harmonic performance by ARSD College’s Music Society, ‘Saarang’. The 7th edition was launched at the opening session by the Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Mr Sanjay Jaju, Additional Secretary MIB Ms Neerja Sekhar, Principal Director General of All India Radio Ms Vasudha Gupta, Director of UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office Mr Timothy Curtis, Director of CEMCA Dr B Shadrach and Founder of TRF Ms Archana Kapoor.
During his Keynote Address, Mr. Jajiu discussed the crucial role that community radios serve as a means of communication at the grassroots level. “In my experience at the government ministry, it is the programs that incorporate the feedback from the ground that have the most impact, and I believe that community radios have played a huge role in this regard,” he said.
Ms Sekhar emphasised the impact of linguistic diversity in her address. “It intrigues everybody on the kind of expanse and diversity of the Indian nation, in terms of languages. In 2024, we completed 100 years of radio in India, and I congratulate you all on this long journey. Wherever knowledge has been imparted, people have prospered through their mother tongue, and that is the significance of media and language.”
Various panels delved into the fascinating journey of radio spanning a century, exploring its profound impact on life, love, and society. Topics ranged from the role of women in radio to the evolution of language and expression, and the celebration of diversity in broadcasting. Esteemed figures from All India Radio (AIR), private commercial radios, and community radios underscored the significance of local languages and dialects in fostering meaningful audience engagement. They reminisced about the medium’s rich history and cultural diversity. With over 300 attendees, the event buzzed with thought-provoking panels, discussions, deliberations, and captivating performances.
Renowned theatre artists Mr Salim Arif and Ms Rama Pandey, veterans of radio Ms Ritu Rajput and Ms Suchitra Gupta and literary critic Ms Rakhshanda Jalil captivated the audience by displaying their mastery over language in the panel, ‘Casting A Spell with Words’. Ms Rama Pandey, Radio Journalist, Producer & Director, said, “Words can bring people together and make relationships and radio facilitates this interplay.”
The ‘Diversity of Sound’ segment spotlighted the vibrant variety of Indian culture, featuring renowned RJs from regions including Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Delhi. RJ Nasir, representing Kashmir, emphasized the significance of adapting to evolving musical preferences, dialogues, and discussions. Staying abreast of current trends and topics, he noted, facilitates a more authentic connection with the target audience.
The ‘Diversity of Sound’ segment spotlighted the vibrant variety of Indian culture, featuring renowned RJs from regions including Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Delhi. RJ Nasir, representing Kashmir, emphasized the significance of adapting to evolving musical preferences, dialogues, and discussions. Staying abreast of current trends and topics, he noted, facilitates a more authentic connection with the target audience.
An interactive JAM (Just A Minute)session was orchestrated by RJ Vijdan from Radio Mirchi, Kashmir with Community Radios and finished on an engaging note. The air was filled with lively conversations and enjoyable exchanges, leading to a gratifying yet purposeful conclusion. The Radio Festival stands as an exceptional platform that celebrates audio in all its varied forms and expressions.
19 сен 2024
