From ‘Hawa Mahal’ to ‘Bhoole Bisre Geet’, radio has ruled hearts for three generations
Prayagraj. “Technology has certainly evolved in these changing times, but Akashvani’s credibility and the love of its listeners remain as it was 90 years ago. Today, radio is no longer just a box that plays in a car or a corner of a house; it has reached every corner of the world through mobile apps,” said Ms. Neha Gupta, Assistant Director of Akashvani Prayagraj.
On Friday, she was speaking as the keynote speaker at the “Vimarsh,” a dialogue series organized by the North Central Zone Cultural Center, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in the multipurpose hall of the Cultural Center campus. This time, the topic of discussion was “90 Years of All India Radio: History, Present, and Future.” The program was inaugurated by lighting a lamp by the keynote speaker, along with Center Director Mr. Sudesh Sharma, Deputy Director Dr. Mukesh Upadhyay, and Program Advisor Kalpana Sahay.
A 77-year-old connection with Prayagraj: Turning back the pages of memories, she explained that Akashvani Prayagraj’s journey began on February 1, 1949. For decades, the mornings and evenings of the people of Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Chitrakoot, and Pratapgarh have been adorned with its sound. Now, in this era of the digital revolution, Akashvani has transformed itself. Through mobile apps, people from across the seven seas in any corner of the world can now listen to the Prayagraj station’s programs live. During the discussion, Ms. Neha Gupta mentioned the evergreen programs that are still the heartbeat of the country. With a smile, she mentioned radio programs like “What is the magic of ‘Hawa Mahal,’ ‘Jaimala,’ ‘Pitara,’ ‘Bhoole Bisre Geet,’ ‘Chhayageet,’ ‘Aaj Ke Fankaar,’ ‘Ujale Unki Yaadon Ke,’ ‘Sakhi Saheli,’ and ‘Kisan Bhaiyon,’ and said, “These are a part of our culture and memories. This is why their popularity hasn’t diminished even in this digital age.” Responding to the question of the host of the program, Akash Agarwal, “What is the future of Akashvani in this digital and reel era and what will be its role when it turns 100?” he said that Akashvani will adopt the latest technology in the times to come, but will not compromise on its credibility and original identity. When we celebrate the centenary year, Akashvani will become even stronger, directly connected to the public and will stand as a global platform.” On this occasion, Center Director Mr. Sudesh Sharma honored the keynote speaker Neha Gupta by presenting her a shawl and a plant. During this, senior theatre artist Urmila Sharma, Program Incharge Krishnamohan Dwivedi, Assistant Program Executive Madhukank Mishra, Dhirendra Pratap Srivastava, etc. were present.
