National Broadcasting Day is observed every year on July 23 in India. This day holds immense significance as it marks the start of organized radio broadcasts in the country by All India Radio (AIR)¹². Let’s delve into the history and impact of radio on our lives.
History of National Broadcasting Day:
- On July 23, 1927, the India Broadcasting Company made history by becoming the first radio company in India. The inaugural radio broadcast went on-air from the Bombay station (now Mumbai). However, the company faced liquidation in less than three years.
- In April 1930, the Indian Broadcasting Service (IBS) was formed on an experimental basis for two years. Later, on June 8, 1936, it was rebranded as All India Radio (AIR).
- By the time India gained independence, AIR had six radio stations in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, and Tiruchirapalli. However, actual broadcasting began 30 years later, on July 23, 1977, in Chennai.
- The famous Akashvani tune, composed by Indian Jewish refugee Walter Kauffman in 1930, became synonymous with AIR.
Significance of National Broadcasting Day:
- Radio has been an integral part of people’s lives in India since 1927. AIR has played a crucial role in informing, educating, and entertaining the masses, truly living up to its motto: “Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya”.
- AIR’s reach is unparalleled. With 479 stations across the country, it covers over 92% of India’s area and is accessible to 99.19% of the population.
- The impact of radio extends beyond entertainment. It has been a lifeline during emergencies, a source of cultural enrichment, and a unifying force that binds the nation together.
- The name “Akashvani” (voice or announcement from the skies) was formally adopted by AIR in 1956, inspired by a poem of the same name by Rabindranath Tagore in 1938.
- AIR broadcasts programs in 23 languages and 179 dialects¹².
So, on this National Broadcasting Day, let’s celebrate the magic of radio that continues to resonate across generations, connecting hearts and minds through the airwaves. 📻🎙️🎧