Workshop highlights power of radio

A two-day Community Radio Awareness Workshop concluded at Dharamsala, bringing together over 60 participants from civil society organisations, academic institutions and Kisan Vigyan Kendras on Thursday. Organised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Government of India) in collaboration with SMART (Seeking Modern Applications for Real Transformation), the event aimed to demystify the process of setting up and sustaining community radio stations (CRS) across India.

Inaugurating the workshop, Archana Kapoor, Founder-Director of SMART, highlighted community radio as the only truly hyperlocal, inclusive participatory medium. Participants shared their expectations — ranging from understanding policy guidelines to practical concerns on sustainability. “CR is not just media; it is a community lifeline,” she noted.

Shilpa Rao, Director at the Ministry, in her keynote address, praised the role of women-led organisations and reaffirmed the Ministry’s enhanced subsidy support for them. She called community radio a powerful tool for empowerment and inclusion, particularly in underserved regions.

Sandeep Parmar, Director of Radio Gunjan, the local partner, reiterated that community radio is by, for and of the people; and therefore, community radio is more than just a medium — it’s a catalyst for empowerment, governance and inclusive development.

Key sessions led by officials Amit Dwivedi and Vinay Dahiya from the Ministry offered detailed insights into policy frameworks and the Community Radio Support Scheme. The interactive format enabled participants to gain regulatory clarity, while discussions also focused on the importance of community ownership and local content creation.

A visit to Radio Gunjan gave participants hands-on exposure to CR technology, while a unique “Power Walk” exercise helped them reconnect with their community’s needs and vision.