Guwahati, July 25: Radio Brahmaputra, a community radio from Dibrugarh has got the first prize in promoting local culture category.

The radio with its programme called Igarekun was declared as the top in the local culture category at 10th National Community Radio Awards declared today.

Brahmaputra Community Radio Station, also known as Radio Brahmaputra 90.4MHZ, is the first grassroots community radio station in North East India, located in the district of Dibrugarh, Assam. Its mission is to provide a platform for marginalized communities living in geographically isolated and media-dark regions such as islands, tea gardens, and remote villages, who speak local languages and dialects that are often not included in mainstream media programs.

Covering over 8 lakh people across Upper Assam districts—Dibrugarh, Dhemaji, and parts of Sivasagar— the community radio unifies urban, semi-urban, and rural populations. The community radio station represents various communities with innovative programs that enlighten listeners

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ashwini Vaishnaw today inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio Station in Aizawl in presence of Union Minister of State for I&B Dr. L. Murugan and Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhoma. The station ‘Apna Radio 90.0 FM’ is a station run by Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl.

Announcing this milestone in India’s community radio journey, Vaishnaw said that this initiative will bring a substantive change in the lives of people in the coverage area of Apna Radio station. He further stated that this launch is also a significant milestone in the Government’s policy of Act East.

The Minister informed the Chief Minister of Mizoram that the Union Budget has made a record allocation under the railway budget for North East region. This will bolster the long-cherished dream for Mizoram to get good railway connectivity.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma while addressing the gathering said that Apna Radio Station at IIMC Aizawl will write a new chapter in communication for the State. Mizoram is primarily an agrarian state due to its significant agriculture potential. Establishing a community radio station for the farmer community would be highly beneficial, providing them with daily weather updates, government schemes and agriculture related information. He commended the Ministry of I&B and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication in turning this project into a reality.

Union Minister of State Dr L. Murugan delved into the socially beneficial nature of such stations and stated that as against the commercial nature of private radio channels, community radio stations are set up out of a commitment to last mile information communication. He further added that the role of these stations rises significantly during times of natural disaster.

Secretary, Ministry of I&B Sanjay Jaju, also present at the occasion, said that community radio stations play a pivotal role in disseminating information related agriculture, government schemes for farmer welfare, weather information etc. The offer a unique platform where alternative voices can be heard and content is delivered in local dialects and regional languages. These community radios are particularly important for the poor and marginalized section of society who lack access to mainstream media.

He further stated that the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to foster development of community radio stations across the country.

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