Radio can play a pivotal role in educating communities on climate change: NERIST faculty on World Radio Day
Itanagar, Feb 13: Emphasizing the urgent need to raise awareness about climate change, Prof Padma Raj Gajurel of Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, today emphasized that in a geographically diverse state like Arunachal Pradesh, radio can play a pivotal role in educating and engaging communities, especially in remote areas, on the critical issue.
He was speaking at a function organized at the Akashvani Itanagar station premises here to celebrate the World Radio Day with great enthusiasm along with the rest of the globe.
The theme for this year’s World Radio Day, “Radio and Climate Change”, underscored the crucial role of radio in spreading awareness about climate-related issues.
Dr Gajurel, the Dean (Students Affairs) at NERIST, proposed a potential collaboration between Akashvani Itanagar and Forestry Department, NERIST to develop informative programs on climate, forests, and habitat conservation. He said that such initiatives would greatly benefit rural listeners.
Addressing the gathering, the Station Head of Akashvani Itanagar, N Ramanjanappa reaffirmed that Akashvani is the largest radio network in the world and is continuously expanding its reach to connect with even the most remote areas.
He informed that under this initiative, the 100-watt FM transmitter station in Basar (Leparada district) was revived recently and is now providing infotainment services to the region again. He further emphasized that despite the rapid evolution of media, Akashvani continues to enjoy credibility and respect among the people.
Head of Programme at Akashvani Itanagar, Bengia Gooma highlighted the station's achievements and its diverse programming that caters to listeners across the state.
He also pointed out that with the availability of the NewsOnAIR App for Android and iOS, radio has become more accessible than ever, ensuring that people can tune in to their favourite programs anytime, anywhere.
To recognize outstanding contributions, 11 staff members from various departments of the station were felicitated on the occasion for their remarkable services in different fields.