All India Radio (AIR) on Monday celebrated 90 years of its journey with a grand cultural programme at its headquarters in New Delhi. Prasar Bharati chairman and noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi said the public broadcaster has played an unparalleled role in preserving India's culture, arts, folk languages and folk traditions over the decades.
Addressing the gathering, Joshi said in a rapidly changing world, there is a responsibility to continue telling people's stories, connecting with their lives and carrying forward the country's cultural legacy. He noted that more people than ever are eager to share their stories and experiences, making it crucial for AIR to remain relevant while staying rooted in the country's soil and traditions.
Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi and AIR Director General Rajiv Kumar Jain were also present on the occasion.
Visual Radio on the Horizon
Speaking at the event, Jain announced that AIR is preparing to move beyond being solely an audio medium. He said visual radio would soon become a reality, with pilot projects planned at select locations across the country next year.
Announcer Diary Released
The celebrations also saw the release of "Announcer Diary", a book featuring experiences and anecdotes shared by radio announcers from across India. Dwivedi congratulated AIR on completing nine decades and honoured artists who contributed to the programme.
Cultural Performances Mark the Occasion
A series of cultural performances under the banner Spectrum marked the occasion. The opening presentation, "Naad @ 90", brought together AIR musicians from different parts of the country in a synchronised display of rhythm and melody. The performance showcased India's diverse musical traditions and received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The second segment, "Rang Punjabi", featured young Punjabi singer Yakub Gill, whose energetic performance had the audience swaying along. This was followed by Youth Vibes, where singer Neha Vats Khadkhadiyal performed memorable songs from the golden era of Hindi cinema.
The evening concluded with Maru Tarang, featuring renowned artist Gulabo Devi and her troupe, who presented the traditional Kalbelia (Sapera) dance and Bhavai dance, drawing applause from the audience.
