National Broadcasting Day: Celebrating the Impact of Radio in India
National Broadcasting Day is a momentous occasion celebrated every year on the 23rd of July in India. This significant day holds great importance as it commemorates the impact of radio on our lives and marks the beginning of organized radio broadcasting in the country by All India Radio. Radio, the primary broadcast medium before the advent of television, has played a vital role in shaping people's lives across India.
The Birth of Indian Broadcasting
On July 23, 1927, the India Broadcasting Company came into existence, becoming India's first radio company. This milestone was followed by the establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in April 1930 as the Indian Broadcasting Service. The initiation of radio broadcasting paved the way for a new era of communication and entertainment in the country.
Radio: A Part of People's Lives
Since its inception in 1927, radio has been an integral part of people's lives in India. All India Radio has been dedicatedly fulfilling its motto, "Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay," by serving as an essential medium to inform, educate, and entertain the public.
National Broadcasting Day 2023: A Glimpse into History
As we celebrate National Broadcasting Day in 2023, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit some key milestones in the history of radio broadcasting in India:
1. The Melodious Akashvani Dhun
The famous Akashvani Dhun, a distinctive tune associated with All India Radio, was composed by Indian Jewish refugee Walter Cofman in 1930. This melodious tune has become synonymous with the radio broadcasting experience in the country.
2. Division and Expansion
In the year 1938, the Central News Organization was divided into two divisions - the News Services Division (NSD) and the Foreign Service Division (ESD). Furthermore, in 1941, All India Radio came under the purview of the Information and Broadcasting Department in British India.
3. Transformation into 'Akashvani'
In 1956, All India Radio underwent a significant change and was officially known as 'Akashvani.' The name was inspired by a poem penned by the legendary Rabindranath Tagore back in 1938.
4. Expansion of Broadcast
Before India gained independence, All India Radio had six radio stations located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, and Tiruchirappalli. However, after a gap of 30 years, the broadcast resumed in Chennai on 23rd July 1977. The famous Vividh Bharati Seva, known for popular film music, began in 1957, further enriching the radio-listening experience of the masses.
Honoring the Radio Community
On the occasion of National Broadcasting Day, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur awarded the National Community Radio Awards in Delhi, recognizing the invaluable contributions of community radio stations across the country.
Conclusion
National Broadcasting Day serves as a reminder of the remarkable journey of radio broadcasting in India. From its humble beginnings in 1927 to becoming an essential part of the nation's cultural fabric, radio has left an indelible impact on the lives of millions. As we celebrate this day, let us cherish the nostalgia and embrace the ever-evolving medium that continues to inform, entertain, and connect us all.
FAQs
1. What is National Broadcasting Day?
National Broadcasting Day is celebrated on 23rd July every year in India to commemorate the impact of radio on people's lives and the onset of organized radio broadcasting by All India Radio.
2. When did radio broadcasting start in India?
The India Broadcasting Company, the first radio company in India, came into existence on 23rd July 1927, followed by the establishment of All India Radio (AIR) in April 1930 as the Indian Broadcasting Service.
3. What is the significance of Akashvani Dhun?
Akashvani Dhun, a melodious tune associated with All India Radio, was composed by Indian Jewish refugee Walter Cofman in 1930 and is an iconic part of India's radio broadcasting heritage.
4. How many radio stations did All India Radio have before independence?
Before independence, All India Radio had six radio stations located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, and Tiruchirappalli.
5. Who was honored on National Broadcasting Day 2023?
On National Broadcasting Day 2023, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur awarded the National Community Radio Awards in Delhi, recognizing the contributions of community radio stations across the country.
