Maj Gen Ranjan Mahajan (Retd)
During a recent journey through Udhampur, my car radio tuned into 89.2 mega hertz, where I unexpectedly came across a Community Radio Station and heard the captivating voices of Radio Jockey (RJ) “Sajid” and RJ Simranpreet Kaur. The experience was both surprising and enriching, prompting me to share this remarkable initiative through this article.
In remote areas of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, especially where exposure to the wider world is minimal, a Community-Oriented Radio Station can act like a bridge between isolation and opportunity. Many in such areas may not have seen a train, the sea, or even major cities. Radio can create a window to the outside world – sharing what exists beyond their immediate surroundings. It can broaden imagination, aspirations, and self-belief, especially for the younger generation.
Community Radio Stations (CRS), low powered Radio Stations are now the lifeline in Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh. They indeed are an instrument of positive social change, which makes it an ideal tool for community engagement. The establishment of CRS in Jammu & Kashmir commenced enabling a strong fight against Covid in Sep 2020 with the first CRS at Anantnag. Currently, there are 15 operational CRS and few more are at various stages of commissioning.
While Leh, Karu, Hanle, Dras & Harka Bahadur in Ladakh region, Potha & Udhampur in Jammu region are enjoying the CRS, Kashmir has it at Anantnag, Baramulla, Balapur, Trehgam, Uri, Mazbug, Wussan & Gureez Valley.
It’s truly heartwarming to tune into the airwaves in the remote stretches of Ladakh and be greeted with – ‘Zullay, Namastey sabko… Aasha hai aap sabh swasth hongey! Abhi aap sun rahey hain FM 89.6 Mega Hertz, Radio Hanle – Jahan Sitarey Millen.’ The warm voice of Station Manager and Senior RJ Kunzang, soon leading into discussions on government schemes, weather updates, youth empowerment and more, has a way of captivating anyone who listens.
The local communities are able to showcase their customs, traditions and achievements, air common grievances and and also establish a connection with Government agencies. They enthuse mainstreaming and strengthen nationalism while also running development-based programmes.
Few of the focus areas include “Health & Good Habits, Education, Benefits of Yoga, Drug Addiction, Women in Politics, Social Reforms, Digital India. They connect with the populace through live coverage of important events in the region, cover success stories, interviews, motivational talks, Govt Schemes/ Initiatives and outreach to remote locations to bring forth their problems.
The programme aired through the CRS medium has achieved amazing impact; Mainstreaming of Youth through youth centric programmes focusing on career guidance, skill development and employment opportunities; Women Empowerment through inclusivity extending a friendly and conducive platform to women of the local community to voice their opinions and aspirations; Platform to Performers through their success stories of the local achievers and bring to front the enormous potential of the local communities.
In addition they have further enabled National Integration by engaging religious scholars and community leaders to emphasize the message of harmony, tolerance and coexistence by the Government in the region and to bridge the communication gap between Government, autonomous bodies and civil population.
Community Strengthening CRS have emerged as powerful platforms for fostering dialogue, hosting interviews, live podcasts, and discussions that encourage informed debates. They ensure community voices are heard and prevent narratives from being driven by divisive rhetoric. National Symbols CRS also play a vital role in nurturing national pride by running programmes that promote respect for our national symbols – the National Flag, the National Anthem, the Constitution, and key national institutions.”
While assisting the “Disaster Management & Emergency Response”, during harsh winters or natural disasters, CRS delivers real-time warning and safety instructions. It serves as a crucial tool for coordinating rescue operations in areas with poor mobile connectivity. CRS programmes have gradually become popular amongst youth and are a medium to enhance their participation in the fields of education, employment, skill development etc.
Empowering marginalised communities including Gujjar-Bakarwals, CRS bridges the gap by providing vital information on weather, livestock care and daily life essentials. They also guide farmers about pest control, crop rotation, water conservation, and market prices. CRS has also been relaying the universal languages of Cricket and Bollywood to evoke national sentiments, taking them to the grass roots through music and sports tournaments. Radio connects communities with the outside world without needing internet or literacy. It empowers women, marginalized groups, and youth by giving them a platform to speak and be heard. Even simple shows like “Success Stories” of nearby villages can spark ideas and hope.
Equally important, community radio in J&K and Ladakh has started acting as a custodian of local heritage. From Kashmiri folk songs and Dogri poetry to Ladakhi oral traditions and Buddhist chants, these CRS preserve and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural identity. In areas where people may not have even seen a train or the sea, radio becomes their window to the world-bridging distances without erasing the local character.
In the rugged terrains of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, where towering mountains often limit physical connectivity and even digital access, the humble radio continues to play an extraordinary role. Beyond entertainment, CRS here have emerged as a vital lifeline – connecting people, preserving culture, and delivering information straight into homes that may otherwise remain isolated. Music, dramas and folk theatre on radio can entertain, but also slip in moral lessons, social messages and encouragement for progressive thinking. For many, it becomes the only source of joy after a long day of labor/hard work.
In essence, notwithstanding the availability of internet and active Social Media tools, CRS in such remote regions is not just a medium of communication – it has become a school, a marketplace, a doctor, a storyteller and a companion. It indeed bridges the gap between isolation and empowerment. By weaving together information, culture and a sense of belonging, CRS in J&K and Ladakh are not just broadcasting – they are building resilience, nurturing aspirations, and uplifting lives across some of the most remote corners of India.
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