Guwahati Hosts Regional Community Radio Sammelan Celebrating 20 Years
The Regional Community Radio Sammelan (East) kicked off in Guwahati today, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Community Radio in India. Organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, the event’s theme is “Celebrating 20 Years of Community Radio in India.” Over 65 Community Radio Stations from the Eastern and Northeastern regions are participating in this two-day gathering.
Significant Growth in Community Radio
Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Vice Chancellor of IIMC, welcomed attendees and emphasized the honor of partnering with the Ministry for this momentous occasion. She highlighted the remarkable growth in the Community Radio ecosystem, with more than 550 stations now operating across India, and additional stations in development in the Northeast. Dr. Gaur underlined the vital roles that Community Radio serves, including promoting gender-sensitive communication, disseminating crucial emergency information, engaging media students, and preserving folk traditions, all while responsibly integrating artificial intelligence in content development.
Empowering Local Voices
Shri L. Madhu Nag, Registrar of IIMC, spoke about the transformation of India’s radio landscape, noting the transition from traditional FM broadcasting to the emergence of Community Radio as a potent platform for local voices. He stressed the importance of community-driven content creation for the success of these stations, urging a focus on capacity building and financial sustainability for long-term impact.
Government Commitment to Community Radio
Ms. Shilpa Rao, Director of Community Radio Services at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, outlined the objectives of the Sammelan and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to bolstering the Community Radio sector, especially in the Northeast. Shri Mahendra Meena, Under Secretary at the Ministry, stated that Community Radio stations play an essential role in last-mile communication, helping to deliver accurate information to communities during emergencies and development initiatives.
Interactive Sessions and Discussions
Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Pranvendra, the Sammelan’s Convenor, extended her gratitude to all participants for gathering in Guwahati to celebrate two decades of Community Radio. The first day featured various interactive sessions, including a presentation by Shri Manish Sheelwant, Deputy Wireless Advisor at the Ministry of Telecommunications, who discussed transmitter upgrades and the SARAL Sanchar portal.
Prof. (Dr.) Kanchan K. Malik highlighted the importance of gender-focused programming and the essential role of women in content creation. A panel discussion moderated by Shri Amit Dwivedi engaged with practitioners from states like Bihar, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha on the involvement of state governments in promoting Community Radio.
Another session led by Prof. Uma Pappuswamy focused on the preservation of indigenous languages through Community Radio, emphasizing the platform’s unique hyperlocal nature. The day ended with insights on best practices for community-based content by Shri N. A. Shah Ansari, Director of Radio Namaskar in Odisha. The Sammelan serves as an invaluable platform for Community Radio practitioners to exchange experiences, voice concerns, and collaborate on innovative strategies to fortify grassroots broadcasting in the eastern and northeastern regions of India.
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