Nagaon e book final copy

MIDDLE ASSAM

A Commemorative Journey Through Three Decades of Broadcasting

The grand colourful entrance gate of Batadrava

At the outset, Foreword extend my warm greetings and heartfelt gratitude to all the former staff members of Akashvani Nagaon for their unwavering efforts, valuable contributions and goodwill in nurturing this fledgeling station into the credible and respected institution it is today. Their vision and foresight have been carried forward and translated into reality by generations of dedicated and passionate assignees whose selfless service to the organisation deserves the highest appreciation.

Over the past three decades, Akashvani Nagaon through its informative, interactive and entertaining programmes has touched the chords of countless listeners across towns and villages. In fact, it has become a familiar voice in every household, sharing news, music, knowledge and cherished memories.

In my short yet memorable sojourn of three years in this station, I have considered it a privilege to be part of a cultural landscape deeply rooted in the ideals and philosophy of the two revered saints of Assam, Mahapurush Sri Sri Sankardev and Sri Sri Madhav Dev. Stunning vistas like the Baduli Khurung, Champawati Waterfalls, Kangthilangso & Akashiganga waterfalls in neighbouring Dima Hasao district, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has helped me discover the bounties of the natural world. Indeed, Akashvani Nagaon by virtue of its proximity to these remarkable destinations has immense potential to serve not only as a trusted source of information but also as a catalyst for promoting tourism and showcasing the region's unique cultural and natural treasures.

As I wind up this piece, I convey my heartiest congratulations to everyone associated with Akashvani Nagaon for their commitment, dedication and sincere efforts in strengthening the bond between the station and its listeners. My blessings and good wishes that Akashvani Nagaon continues to uphold its proud legacy and remain a cherished voice, connecting with the hearts of the people for many years to come.

Nisha Rani Borooah Programme Executive

Akashvani Nagaon

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: The Dawn of a New Milestone

Chapter 2: Red Letter Days & Historic Visits

Chapter 3: Key Programmes for Dedicated Audiences

Chapter 4: Akashvani Nagaon & Assamese Culture

• Archival Insights
• Chapter 5:
• Chapter 6:
• Akashvani @ 90
• Chapter 7:
• Retrospectives & Musings
• Snapshots at a Glance
• Chapter 8:
• Snapshots of Memorable Moments
• Chapter 9:
• Chapter10: Resilience Through Changing Times

The Dawn of a New Milestone:

It was the year 1994, 23rd of February. The social and cultural canvas of Nagaon witnessed a watershed moment as the familiar and iconic Signature Tune went on air at 4.28 pm. A new station, Akashvani Nagaon was enlisted among India's Local Radio Stations. Broadcasting in India witnessed another new milestone as Akashvani became a voice in every home, sharing news, culture, music and memories.

Operating on 102.7 mhz with a 1x6 kilowatt FM Transmitter, the station serves a coverage area which extends throughout the Nagaon, Hojai and Morigaon districts and includes parts of Karbi Anglong, Sonitpur and Dima Hasao. Though the station operates in an area without any international borders, it maintains a strong presence in the region, reaching a substantial portion of the local population.

NDIA

The AIR logo being outlined and painted for the launch of Akashvani Nagaon

• Date of Commission
• Latitude & Longitude
• Altitude
• Total land area MP Studio
• Nearest Railway station
• & distance from studio
• Nearest Airport

Technical & Geographical Profile: Akashvani Nagaon (Assam)

26.20'19"N & 92.40'14" E 60 m above MSL

4.37 acres (Total)

Haibargaon Railway Station at 4 kms away

Tezpur, distance 85 kms

Located in the breathtaking state of Assam, India, this city is a melting pot of culture, spirituality and natural wonders. Nagaon is considered one of the most important cultural hubs of Assam where the neo-Vaishnavite cult of life and spiritualism was evolved and nurtured from the times of Sri Sri Shankardev- a social reformer, an ascetic, a philosopher, a playwright, a poet and a litterateur. This evolving town is also considered to be the cradle of Assamese classical music and Nagaon is still following its rich cultural tradition in music, dance and drama (theatre) by virtue of which this station here assumes significance. It provides a podium to showcase its art and culture through the talents available here.

The station mainly broadcasts in Assamese although Hindi programmes also find a place through its relay of Vividh Bharati, Mumbai and National channel, Delhi.

Inspired by the motto of "Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya" (For the happiness of many, for the welfare of many), Akashvani Nagaon since its inception has been tirelessly working to reflect the cultural and literary ethos of various ethnic communities inhabiting the regions of greater Nagaon, Morigaon, Hojai, etc. Also to enrich the mental, intellectual and socio- economic spectrum of the listeners, various awareness programmes have since been broadcast.

Red-Letter Days & Historic Visits:

The contributions of eminent Assamese artistes, musicians, and litterateurs have forever glorified the Kendra's prominence:

Dr. Birendra Nath Dutta: The eminent folklorist, composer, and singer graced the 6th Foundation Day celebration, enthralling listeners with his mellifluous voice.

Prof. Nilomoni Phukan: The Jnanpith Award-winning poet's visit to the studios remains etched as a red-letter day.

Padma Shri Mohim Borah: The renowned short story writer, poet, and former President of the Assam Sahitya Sabha recorded an achievement-defining interview here.

Pratima Pandey Baruah: The legendary "Folk Queen of Assam" visited the Kendra in 1996, leaving invaluable recordings in the permanent archives.

Celebrating its Silver Jubilee on 23rd February, 2019, Akashvani Nagaon took another big stride forward in its illustrious journey. The event was celebrated with a musical function being held at the District Library, wherein artistes, farmers, well- wishers alike joined in.

Vintage archival photo of Shri Kamal Sarma, Smt. Pratima Pandey Baruah, Hiren Bhattacharyya, and Chuni Bhattacharyya exe

Group photo featuring Jnanpith awardee, Prof. Nilomoni Phukan and staff of Akashvani Nagaon

Into its 33rd year now, Akashvani Nagaon is continuing to carry forward its legacy of a glorious past, while going stronger by the day with its innovative and creative content. All target groups of the society- the youth, the womenfolk, the farming community, children, the elderly- are incorporated while designing the content and style of programmes. These programmes get further stepped up with the aid of social media platforms like Facebook where publicity as well as short duration live performances are worked out.

Kisan Vani: Keeping in mind the importance and scope of agriculture in Nagaon, the station since its beginning has been broadcasting a programme named 'Seuji Pathar' (Green Fields) daily at 6.15 in the evening. In 2004, this initiative was elevated into the national Kisan Vani program. Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, the program brings agricultural scientists and local farmers together into the studio to solve real-time problems and boost crop productivity. OB coverage at various far-flung locations is undertaken, and this provides for first hand interaction with farmers and real time state- of- affairs in the cultivated fields. The pure joy and happy smiles in the faces of these farmers as they speak into the microphone is something worth seeing.

Muga silkworms feeding on the foliage of their host tree, Som.

Field producers conducting an OB coverage of Muga silkworm rearing in Morigaon

Rather than staying confined to the studio, the production team regularly journeys deep into remote cultivated fields. These live field interactions capture the authentic concerns and triumphant achievements of local agriculturalists. A major annual highlight is Radio Kisan Diwas on February 15th, celebrated with immense gusto either in village squares or in the radio campus to introduce modern technologies, such as:

Advanced seed production for medium-duration paddy (like the Numoli variety).

Sustainable fish farming across the wetlands, ponds, and the historic Kolong and Kopili rivers.

The cultivation of Foxtail Millet, a key nutritional initiative backed by the Government of India.

Also various other Government schemes available for farmers and how to access them are explained by the invited experts to the gathering.

AKASHVANI NAGAON RADIO KISHAN DIMAS

15 February

Radio Kisan Divas celebration on 15th February, 2026 in the AIR campus

AIR

Close-up of an interview with a local jute farmer

Assamese traditional Gamosa being woven ahead of the Rongali Bihu festival, in Nagaon

Seed Production Medium Duration Paddy Variety: Numoli (130-135 days)

AAU-Zonal Research Station Shillongani Nagaon, PIN-782002, Assam

Foxtail millet cultivation- A key nutritional initiative of the Govt. of India

Fish Farming- an important livelihood practice in Nagaon, which has an abundance of wetlands, rivers

(Kolong and Kopili) and ponds.

Recognizing that women and children are integral to healthy societal development, Akashvani Nagaon curates highly specialized weekend slots for them.

The Children's Segment:

A dedicated programme on children goes on air every Sunday at 9.15am. Children of various grades come and the studio gets filled with their sweet and innocent energy. They belt out songs, poem recitations and story-telling in their own sweet and innocent ways. It certainly is a warm and pleasant experience for all.

Independence Day celebration at Akashvani Nagaon

Children being initiated into the noble act of planting saplings on World Environment Day

Bihu workshop being organised by Akashvani Nagaon

Oral storytelling is a tool which is very effectively used amongst the children. In such episodes, epics and legends that trace the community's roots, celebrates historical milestones etc. are narrated to the children. Children learn about their culture, heritage and imbibe value-based lessons.

102.7 Milz

AIR RADIO

"The strongest actions for a woman are to love herself, be herself and shine amongst those who never believed she could." Keeping these lines in mind, Akashvani Nagaon introduced a groundbreaking program specifically designed to give a powerful voice to marginalized, unsung women in its new women's programme, aptly named "AAMOI”. The basic idea of this programme is to highlight and give voice to the marginalized and hitherto unheard women of the society. Be it the woman vendor selling her wares or the woman running a tea-stall or the homemaker – their little acts of self- empowerment when highlighted through the Radio, gives them a reason to feel self-worthy, confident and to believe that they can go further. And if that be, we as broadcasters have a reason to smile too.

Aamoi

AIR

Akashvani Nagaon

A small- time woman vendor at work- ‘Aamoi's initiative to let her voice be heard.

Inte

Women's Day, 2024

International Women's Day celebration in collaboration with Gramya Puthibharal

Another weekly women's programme is ‘Aiotee', which has been running consistently since the station's inception. This weekly interactive program provides women from all walks of life a safe platform to discuss healthcare, legal rights, and domestic issues while showcasing their musical talents.

• AKASHVANI, NAGAON
• 102.7 MHz
• NEWSON AIR
• App
• AIR RADIO App
• 102.7 MH
• NEWSON A App
• AIR RADI App

Yuva Vani: Youth being the future of the country, a special place has been earmarked in the recent Fixed- Point Chart for a slot named “Yuva Ragini” aired at 8.02pm. This is a music-based youth programme which is curated by the youth assignees themselves. The regular slot for the youth, named, “Yuva Taranga” scheduled at 4.30pm, has been designed in a way that promotes, encourages and inspires youth talent and entrepreneurship. The programme in fact, manifests itself into a learning platform from where the youth can chart their future career paths.

OB Prog. at Raha College, Nagaon

Other Key Programmes:

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Drama rehearsals underway for ‘Yuva Taranga' arat Fatal adie AKASHVANI, NAGAON

102.7 MHz

NEWSON AIR App

AIR RADIO App of Whatsapp-9435053214

'Janahit Yojanaye- Ek Samiksha' – This programme is about ongoing welfare programmes, development initiatives, and citizen- centric schemes implemented through various departments of the government. Identified departmental heads and key officials participate in the programme once a month to discuss and review the progress of these schemes.

Special Programme on Flagship Schemes – Programme includes interactive sessions or interviews with senior government officials or state ministers in the studio. The focus is on the Government's various schemes such as, PM Awas Yojana (PMAY), Ayushman Bharat PMJAY- Jal Jeevan Mission-PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana- Skill India Mission- Digital India Programme-Ujjwala Yojana-Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Outreach Programme:- These programmes are worked out in collaboration with some organization/dept. on special days like World Environment Day, National Broadcasting Day, Radio Kisan Divas etc. OBS are also conducted for youth programmes, Kisan Vani, A Day in a Village etc.

Akashvani Nagaon and Assamese Culture:

Radio as a medium has a role to educate, inform and entertain people. Entertainment being one of its primary goals, Akashvani Nagaon brings the voices and musical skills of the region's various artistes closer to the people. Songs of various languages are aired, like Assamese, Tiwa, Nepali, Bengali, Hindi etc. Special emphasis is given on preserving the folk music and literature of the region. Hence the recordings of Tiwa, Bodo, Dimasa, Karbi and Dalo folk music alongside the recordings on the two great gurus, Sri Sri Sankardev and Sri Sri Madhabdev. The manuscripts of the Sankari tradition also have been well documented. In fact, the musical programmes reflect the melting pot of diverse cultures that the region is made up of. Musical features on the Tiwa community, Dalo community, Phulaguri Dhewa and Batadrava Than are some of the examples.

ALL INDIA

RADIO NAGAON

Participants of the musical feature on the Dalo Community

Jeng bihu performance during springtime

Gayan-Bayan: The soul of Assamese culture

Tiwa dance performance on the 32nd Foundation Day of Akashvani Nagaon

• Title of the programme
• Script
• Chorus (children)
• Rabikant Niraj
• Behti dhara......
• Drama (children)
• Chidananda Deva Goswami
• "Akanir Kanaklata"
• Feature- "Phulaguri Dhewa"
• Pankaj Raja
• Feature- "Bishnu Bandana"
• Mukut Moni Saikia
• Feature- "Amar Bapuji"
• Dr. Surjya Das 5.
• Feature- "Jayatu
• Purna Kanta Nath
• Ganatantra"
• Dipa Raja Borah
• Feature- "Amitabh Jyoti
• : Bishnu Prasad Rabha "
• Rubi Rajkumari
• Feature- "Jungal Balahu"
• Bhupen Goswami
• Feature- "Agni Kanya: Chandra Prava Saikiani"
• Drama "Bhutai Deka"
• Sarada Kanta Bordoloi
• Drama Biyallishar
• Benudhar Kalita
• Kothare"
• Chorus- "Sahajatri
• Chidananda Deva Goswami
• Akashvani..."
• Drama- "Agnimantra"
• Ram Kumar Bhattacharyya
• Drama- "Rupalim"
• Jyoti Pr. Agarwala
• Musical feature :
• Pallabi Kalita
• "Joysuriya Juisuriya"
• Docu-feature:
• Dr. Surjya Raja
• 'Bihugeetot Gandhi
• Prasanga'
• Dr. Dipti Dutta Das Docu-feature:
• "Bihugeetot Swadhinata
• Sangramar Chabi"
• Musical feature :
• "Barerahaniya Dalo Sanskriti "
• Dr. Chandra Kamal Chetia
• Production
• Nandita Sarma
• Nandita Sarma
• Utpal Datta
• Utpal Datta
• Pallabi Kalita
• Jiban Sharma
• Jiban Sharma
• Jiban Sharma
• Chidananda Deva Goswami
• Aseem Kr. Kazi
• Jiban Sharma
• Prabal Sarma
• Aseem Kr. Kazi
• Jiban Sharma
• Nisha Borooah
• Nazila Zaffar
• Chidananda Deva Goswami
• Nisha Borooah
• Date of b'cast

In order to enhance visibility and public engagement in the year-long commemoration of 90 years of Akashvani/ All India Radio, being celebrated from 8th June, 2025 to 8th June, 2026, this station has intensified youth outreach activities. Quiz, essay and extempore competitions have been organised in collaboration with reputed educational institutions of the region.

Quiz Competition at Morigaon College

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Youth Outreach Initiative by Aka vani Nagn

Extempore Competition at Nowgong Girls College.

Also, as part of the celebrations, Akashvani Nagaon has recorded audio/video testimonials from eminent personalities, artistes, listeners, farmers and other stakeholders highlighting their association with and experiences of Akashvani.

Retrospectives and Musings :

My heartiest congratulations to everyone associated with the All India Radio for having completed a glorious period of ninety years this year. We belong to a generation who woke up with devotional music broadcast by the AIR and the haunting AIR's signature tune preceding it. The simplicity and splendour of the signature tune remains etched in our hearts permanently.

On 23rd February, 1994, the Nagaon station of the All India Radio was established in the district of Nagaon, Assam with which we have remained associated till today. The well-equipped centre in Nagaon started with a wide array of programmes encompassing the fields of culture, education, agriculture, science and sports under an efficient Assistant Director. The officers and employees under the Assistant Director worked with full dedication and were able to prove their competence in their respective fields very soon. The broadcasting of different programmes excelled both in quality and clarity and hence, within a short time, the centre grew immensely popular both among the urban and rural masses.

What is most significant is that the centre has been able to provide a great deal of coverage to the hidden talents of the district in varied fields. The presentation of devotional, folk and modern music, plays, interviews and discussions on educational and scientific topics continue to enlighten the listeners and inspire the creative artistes and innovative personalities.

I have personally found a lot of opportunities at the centre in experimenting with my musical compositions as a performer, composer and lyricist. At times I have also been engaged in translation works from Assamese to English of varied texts, articles, radio plays and documentary features that need to be sent to New Delhi. Besides enjoying my works, I have regularly found the opportunity to come into contact with numerous enterprising and inspiring officers and employees of the centre. To sum up, my experiences with the All India Radio centre of Nagaon has been very enriching for me personally. I whole-heartedly thank everyone engaged with the centre for their bestowal of affection and kindness during the past years. I wish more success and prosperity to the centre in the days to come.

With heartiest congratulations once again.

Krishna Dulal Barua

Former Principal, Bebejia P.K.S. Higher Secondary School, Nagaon, Assam

The 90-Year Journey of All India Radio and 32 Years of AIR Nagaon Centre

By Dr. Sarat Borkataki, Nagaon.

Radio occupies a unique and unforgettable place in the history of human communication. Even with the rapid growth of television, mobile phones, the internet, and social media, the charm of radio has never truly faded. In India, All India Radio has played a remarkable role in shaping public awareness, culture, literature, and social life. This year marks the glorious 90-year journey of All India Radio, along with the successful completion of 32 years of the AIR Nagaon Centre.

For many of us, radio is deeply connected with the cherished memories of childhood. I still remember how my father taught us to listen to the radio. It was around 1969. In those days, the radio was not merely a device; it was an inseparable member of the family. Every Sunday, we eagerly listened to children's programmes like "Akanir Mel." The affectionate voices of programmes such as "Aideu bulani❞ touched young hearts deeply. That programme was broadcast from the Guwahati Radio Station.

My father regularly listened to the evening news, and we too sat beside him attentively listening to the broadcasts.

During the war period of 1972, radio became one of the most dependable sources of information. News of the war, government announcements, and public awareness messages created a deep impact on people's minds. Various programmes relayed from Delhi connected people across the country with a common emotional bond. The famous "Binaca Geetmala" programme broadcast from Sri Lanka was immensely popular among music lovers. Likewise, live sports commentaries were a great source of excitement for sports enthusiasts. Cricket commentaries, in particular, made listeners feel as though they were present right inside the stadium.

The AIR Nagaon Centre is not merely a broadcasting station; it is the heartbeat of the people of middle Assam. Farmers, students, artists, writers, homemakers, and the youth have all developed a close emotional connection with this station. Over the years, it has significantly contributed to promoting local language, folk culture, folk songs, theatre, literature, and social awareness.

Throughout its 32-year journey, AIR Nagaon has provided a valuable platform to many emerging local singers, poets, reporters, writers, and artistes. Through programmes on agriculture, health, education, environment, climate change, social awareness, and culture, the station has positively influenced society. Its contribution towards preserving Assamese language and culture is truly invaluable.

Even in today's digital age, the relevance of radio has not disappeared. Rather, All India Radio has adapted itself with changing times and continues to move forward with renewed strength. For countless people, radio still remains a symbol of memory, emotion, and trust.

On the auspicious occasion of the 90-year celebration of All India Radio and the 32nd year of AIR Nagaon Centre, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all the staff members, artistes, writers, and well-wishers associated with this institution. May All India Radio continue its glorious journey as the trusted voice of society in the years to come.

Dr. Sarat Borkataki

Former Principal, Nowgong College (Autonomous)

Presently serving as the President of Nagaon Zila Sahitya Sabha, Dr.Borkataki is a renowned writer and academician. He continues to remain actively associated with various higher educational institutions of the state, contributing significantly to the fields of education, literature, and intellectual discourse.

MEMORIES THAT HAUNT TOO OFTEN.

My association with Akashvani Nagaon commenced in April 1994, on 19th of April to be precise. The month of April is quite significant in my life in that a lot of events of cardinal nature happened to me in this Month and I was happy to start my career as a Central Government employee in the role of a programme professional in All India Radio. In my personal baggage I carried the experience of company jobs and teaching in college which hardly were of any consequence for a career in Akashvani. But all along I felt I was looking for something that can enrich me with a wider variety of professional experience. Apart from that longing for variety, I also had a deep love for music which was another primary reason I believed I would be happy working in Akashvani. And happy I was. For the next three decades, I was in Akashvani, which is one third of the entire history of broadcasting in India by All India Radio. More interestingly, I spent almost twenty years of my service life in Akashvani Nagaon, interesting because most of my colleagues had the experience of hopping from one workplace to another in regular intervals.

Akashvani Nagaon was on air from 23rd February, 1994 and it took a couple of years in developing a rudimentary resource base as well as a listener's base to meaningfully sustain our programme broadcast. Initial years were very difficult. Very few person or households had FM radio sets. The FM radio circuit was available as an add on in some audio cassette player- based music systems and those having such music systems suddenly discovered that there was a radio station in Nagaon town. The news reached the villages of present day Nagaon, Morigaon, Hojai and some parts of Karbi Anglong and people started asking why their old radio sets on which they listened to programmes of AIR Guwahati or Dibrugarh broadcast on Medium and Short waves could not receive AIR Nagaon signals. It took a while to persuade people to get a new radio set with FM receiver or to fit their old sets with an FM kit which some technicians used to insert in older sets so that the set could be used as an FM receiver as well. In those days there was no cable TV, no Dish TV, Mobile Telephony or social-media and people were thirsty for a new mode of broadcast like FM. Akashvani Nagaon, on its part launched a massive campaign of OB recording visiting besides town areas, hundreds of villages spread over and into remote locations of Nagaon, Morigaon and Hojai districts. The recordings were mostly musical programmes presented by club or women groups and after every recording a few new FM radio-sets appeared in the village. The efforts in the initial years were very painstaking. There was a new radio station, transmitters and studios were new, sharp and distinct signals reached even the most remote parts of the coverage area but the broadcast mode was unfamiliar to the people. But one important factor that worked to the advantage of the new station was that most of its employees manning the programme, engineering and administrative sections were very young people. Except for Laxmi Saikia, the first Assistant director of programme and Mr Madan Lal, the first station engineer, and Kamal Rana Sharma, the senior most programme executive, all others had only five or six years of experience in All India Radio. The experience and programming knowledge of Kamal Rana Sharma was instrumental in shaping the programme schedule of the station.

Being a Local Radio Station (LRS), Akashvani Nagaon had to function under a set of rules different from those governing capital or regional stations. OB broadcast was to be the major component of programming followed by Farm & Home programmes and music and other spoken word programmes to complete the rest of the daily programme schedule. But the rules started to dilute very rapidly as All India Radio embarked on a policy of expansion of transmission hours along with local revenue generation as a major activity for all stations. Akashvani Nagaon which started as a station with a single evening transmission of six hours duration was converted in the year 2000 into a station with three transmissions starting from 6 AM to 11 PM and later all the transmissions were merged into one session under a policy of seamless transmission. In the tenth year of the station there were only two transmission executives left out of the initial set of people who witnessed the birth and growth of the station through its early years. The core set of persons who laid the foundation of the station were Laxmi Saikia, Kamal Sharma, Utpal Datta, Banti Borpujari and Pallavi Kalita and although

a new comer I was also assigned few programming tasks which went on to become parts of the mainstream of broadcast of the station. The Engineering heads who were called station engineers, came mostly from AIR Delhi or Kolkata on transfer but, Jayanta Borthakur, an Assistant Engineer at that time, was in the station for quite long time and his contributions in upholding the technical standard of the station were significant. As time passed on all the names mentioned above departed from the station on transfer to other places. By the end of twelve years, apart from myself, the two announcers and a couple of Employees in the administrative unit, the station had an entire new look. By then the station had a strong footing both in terms of programming and a committed listeners base and except some changes in content here and there, the station went along with the basic framework already laid out. The station completed fifteen years, twenty years and was hurtling along to attain its silver jubilee. After the year 2005, despite a progressive reduction in personnel strength across all units, the station successfully implemented the NE software package scheme, the very rigorously designed Kishan Vani broadcast, introduced regular morning information programme, earned commercial revenues, almost regularly marked the commissioning day with invited audience programmes, organized Radio Kisan Divas in different outdoor venues and on top of everything created a large base of very talented vocal and instrumental artistes. On the technical front, the station migrated from magnetic tape based analogue system to hard disk and server-based recording and playback technology. The recording and playback studios, the transmitters and the Duty Room, Control Room and the entire office looks so different from the day I walked into the station for the first time.

With so many media channels, social media platforms, other OTTs crowding around, the vintage odour of Akashvani Nagaon is still relished by the listeners of the station. As an Akashvani station, Nagaon is still very young, but unfortunately the same cannot be said about the colleagues, artistes, other resource persons and so many admirers I once met. Most of my colleagues have retired or on brink, the young artistes are now veteran in their fields and so many other names have lapsed out of memory.

Like so many other people before me, I too had to bid farewell to Akashvani Nagaon. I was transferred to Akashvani Guwahati in the early part of 2017. The last few years were very rigorous for me. Due to lack of manpower, I had to assume so many responsibilities at a time. A programme executive, DDO, programme head and head of station all at a time. The transfer should have given me some respite but gave me more pain instead. I handed over charges to Bijon Shinha, Programme Executive, who only recently joined Akashvani on transfer from Akashvani Gangtok and made the journey back to my hometown Guwahati. The severing of a bond of two decades and having to leave behind Mrs. Najila Zaffar, fellow programme executive who was critically ill for a couple of years made my heart very heavy for a long time. Najila left for her heavenly abode only a few months after I left Nagaon.

Memories of Nagaon station will ever remain with me.

Ashok Bhattacharyya, former Programme Executive, AIR- Nagaon

At the very outset, it's my proud privilege to offer my heartiest congratulations, greetings and best wishes to all the associated members of Akashvani in general and Akashvani Nagaon centre in particular on its successful and glorious completion of 90years of active service to the nation. I, Dr. Pradip Kumar Das, ex-Chief Scientist as well as former Rice, Wheat and Jute Breeder, Assam Agricultural University Zonal Research Station, Shillongani, Nagaon 782002, Assam have been associated very closely, actively, cooperatively and affectionately with Akashvani Nagaon centre since its inception on 23rd February, 1994 and I feel very proud of my association due to sincerity, dedication, well behaviour, punctuality and respect to their profession of all the Staff members right from, Centre -in Charge to the lower level. It has been disseminating continuously the various recommended technologies developed by AAU to the farmers of Nagaon, Morigaon and Hojai Districts timely, effectively for which Farmers have been well benefitted. I have been invited to this centre for recording talks, discussions, phone in programme etc for broadcasting Agricultural Technologies to the Farmers as per schedule. The staff members of the centre also provided us feedback including farmers problems which gave us better planning of Research Projects more efficiently based on their needs. Akashvani Nagaon centre covered broadcasting Agricultural Technologies of Rice, Wheat, Jute, Pulses, oilseeds etc very effectively and regularly. Apart from this, the Nagaon Centre also broadcasts various need-based aspects of Veterinary, Fisheries, Medical, Engineering, Sports, Music and so on. One of the most useful programmes of Nagaon Centre, I have been regularly listening to is "Su- Prabhat " i.e. (Today Morning) at 7.15 am in the morning daily where all the daily basis information of date, day, month, tithi, time of sunrise/sunset and all events of state, national and international places, people are covered including songs of local singers. In this programme messages, comments, fruitful knowledgeable topics, views etc from invited Resource Persons of Scientists, Doctors, Engineers, Educationists, Social Workers, Farmers, and many such personalities are broadcasted from which I am educated. I would like to inform that I have been regularly listening Radio Programme since 1962 more particularly Binaca Geet Mala, Ceylon centre and I still remember the very sweet voice of Great Announcer Amin Saini who died recently and I offer heartfelt homage and tribute to him. Akash Bani played pivotal role in polarizing newly developed, released and notified crop varieties including nationally related and notified Jute Variety developed by the Research Centre, Shillongani, Nagaon. From the Akash Bani Nagaon centre, I have been much benefitted professionally as well as personally. Lastly, I offer my best wishes for its bright future in respect of its infrastructure, studio, audio virtual machines, improvement in number and status of manpower etc and also to the people in general and the great Farmers in particular.

Dr. Pradip Kr. Das

Snapshots at a glance:

ALL INDIA RADIO NAGAON

Swachchata Hi Seva pledge by the staff of Akashvani Nagaon

GEE PE

OB coverage at Kaziranga National Park during the floods

site

Former staff of Akashvani Nagaon being felicitated with gamosas

World Radio Da 13 February

RADIO,NAGAON

World Radio Day being celebrated in collaboration with TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Cell, Nagaon.

TART: 14995 feat ORI

First Announcer of Akashvani Nagaon

It is your Life, It is your will.

Dangers ahead

Else

Lungs Cancer Throat Cancer

TYBYEN JA T PIN 2002 dyn Do not waite or print below this in Pan

Save your body from the pains coused by Tobacco, is in your hand.

NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAMME

Song request by postcard - A beloved tradition in Akashvani, fondly remembered as the Farmaish culture. While postcards were traditionally the only way to request songs, local Akashvani stations now seamlessly blend physical mail with faster, digital methods like SMS and WhatsApp.

NGB 0169

INDU wimmer wie Indu professional magnetic tape

Magnetic spool tape - The backbone of analog audio production & broadcasting, before the transition to digital

• 335RPM
• HIS MASTER'S VOICE lb
• KHAGEN MAHANTA

Vinyl Long Playing(LP) record with its cover - Nostalgic memories of radio broadcasting

Meltron recorder, which was widely used, and now a thing of the past

Resilience Through Changing Times:

Akashvani Nagaon's trajectory has so far been going strong. But this journey has not been without its share of challenges. The global COVID- 19 pandemic that shook the world, had its damaging impact in our backyard too. A nationwide lockdown was announced which heavily restricted movement, and entry into the radio complex was strictly controlled to ensure safety. Yet, showing incredible resilience, courage and meticulous planning, the broadcast of programmes from Akashvani Nagaon went on air unhindered. Operating with just a handful of dedicated staff members, important broadcasts pertaining to critical real-time health safeguards, government guidelines, mental health counselling and numerous other programmes went on air and kept people informed. Specialized educational broadcasts for children, and other entertainment programmes kept people's spirits alive as they remained confined in their homes. A big salute to these broadcasters.

To conclude, Akashvani Nagaon as a Local Radio Station was commissioned with an intent to be part of the people's social and cultural milieu, to provide a platform for its talented lot to showcase their skills, and for people to voice their opinions and concerns. And it has always been the endeavour of this station, to reach out to the public and address their concerns. Today, as All India Radio marks its collective 90 years of Broadcasting (June 2025- June 2026), Akashvani Nagaon stands taller than ever. It effectively blends its glorious, vintage heritage with modern social media platforms, digital streaming tools, and innovative content creation, remaining the undisputed, trusted voice of its people.

THANK YOU