Akashvani is celebrating its 90 years today. On this day in 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio (AIR). This red letter day marks a special moment in the cultural, information and broadcasting history of the country, where a voice was born that would echo through generations. Post-independence, All India Radio expanded rapidly, adopting the name Akashvani in 1956.

 

To mark this occasion, Akashvani today organised a cultural program named Spectrum at Akashvani’s Rang Bhawan in New Delhi. The program featured different folk performances, including Punjabi folk songs and Rajasthani folk dance Kalbeliya. These cultural performances mesmerised the audience. Talking to Akashvani News, Prasar Bharati Chairman Prasoon Joshi said that Akashvani has served as the backbone of society for generations. He added that Akashvani has played a vital role in connecting people through information, culture and creativity. 

 

CEO of Prasar Bharati Gaurav Dwivedi said that despite rapid technological advancements, Akashvani has continued to deliver reliable news, information and entertainment to people in every corner of India. 

 

Today, Akashvani operates 591 stations, reaching 98 percent of India’s population, broadcasting in 23 languages and 146 dialects. Akashvani’s External Services Division broadcasts to over 100 countries, projecting India’s voice globally and connecting with the diaspora. Living up to its noble ideals of Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujan Sukhaya, the News Services Division (NSD) of AIR strives to provide news and views to every dweller in this vast country in varied terrains, languages and dialects, while adhering to highest professional ethics and standards in Radio Broadcasting.