Opinion: Opinion | All India Radio: Growing Up With The Nation's Most Enduring Voice
The author reflects on the cultural significance of All India Radio (Akashvani) on National Broadcasting Day. The piece highlights the broadcaster's role in national integration and shares personal anecdotes about the author's family history with the institution.
Why it matters
It underscores the historical and social importance of public broadcasting in shaping national identity and cultural cohesion in India.
"Bahujana Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya" - For the welfare and happiness of the many. This timeless Buddhist ideal, drawn from the teachings of Lord Buddha, has guided All India Radio (Akashvani) ever since it became India's public broadcaster. More than a motto, it became a national mission - to inform, educate, inspire and unite.As India observes July 23, National Broadcasting Day, we commemorate not merely the beginning of radio broadcasting in 1927 but the birth of an institution that quietly shaped the consciousness of modern India. If August 15, 1947 gave India political freedom, I often believe that July 23, 1927 began the long process of integrating the minds and hearts of Indians. Radio became the invisible thread that stitched together a civilisation of extraordinary diversity into one national family.For me, however, this day carries a far deeper and more personal meaning.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in