Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan has said that community radios have a goal of reaching the last of the people in the Country.

 

In his Presidential address at a book release function at AIR Chennai today, he said that innovation in radio is important to bring the awareness messages most effectively for the benefit of the people. Minister appreciated Dr Sreedharan, a Padma Shri awardee, for his innovations in radio and Community Radio, and noted that due to his efforts, the first Community Radio was started at Anna University, Chennai.

 

The Minister also appreciated his efforts to bring community radio to Odisha, Jharkhand, and far-flung areas in the Country. Calling Dr Sreedhar a Radio Man, he said that it was due to his innovation that AIR could step out in its new adventure. The Minister said that community radio also played a major part in the WAVES summit held in Mumbai.

 

In his speech, Rajeev Jain, Director General of AIR and DD, recalled Dr Sreedhar’s achievement during his tenure at Akashwani Bhopal. He said that innovation and new techniques are basic requirements for competing with emerging media challenges. He appreciated Dr Sreedhar for his experience, guidance, and inspiration, which made him the recipient of the Padma Shri Award. Earlier, DG also reviewed the activities of Akashwani and Doordarshan.