FM Radio Sharda in Jammu

Minister of Relief Revenue and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla today announced that his Ministry is ready to help the migrant youth who are interested in launching the community welfare programmes.

Addressing a function after inauguration of Sharda Radio 90.4 FM at Buta Nagar here today, the Minister said "Department is fully behind them who work for the betterment of the displaced community and promotion of its culture and ethos. Who so ever takes initiative in this regard the Government and his ministry will be with them’’ he added.

The function, which was organized by Peer Panchal was also attended by Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Vinod Koul, as guest of honour.

Fully agreeing with Director Doordarshan Jammu, Shabir Ahmed Mujahid, who termed the Sharda Radio as Awaz-e-Dard (voice of pain), Mr Bhalla expressed the hope that Sharda Radio will come to the expectations of the displaced community and the other people living in peripheral area by promoting their culture, ethos and language.

He also expressed the hope that with the passage of time radio will also increase its broadcasting timing and run the programmes for greater duration. "Through the community radio stations the traditional art can be transmitted from generation to generation’’. This station can provide a platform to the budding artists and one can hear the radio while traveling in car or other vehicles, he added.

Mr Bhalla said "let us join hands and work for the unity and integrity of all three regions of the state though these centres’’. The Government is all ready to help in boosting such activities and it will have no hesitation in providing a cultural center at Jagti township’’, he added.

Maintaining that language is not the property of any body, he said the FM 90.4 will highlight the plight of displaced Pandits and also help in promotion of Kashmiri and Dogri languages.

Speaking on the occasion Director DD Shabir Ahmed Mujahid said that this FM technology is the American concept to take the radio to farflung rural areas but Sharda Radio really speaking should have been named as Awaz-e-Dard (voice of pain). He assured all help and cooperation to the Radio management from his side.

He said the FM concept has become so common in the country now that sponsorship bids for it are increasing day by day.

Brij Betab a renowned broadcaster also spoke on the occasion and assured all cooperation in running the FM 90.4.

The president Peer Panchal, Ramesh Hangloo, read the welcome address as well as proposed the vote of thanks. He highlighted the objective behind setting up of the Sharda Radio. He said the radio would be available on 90.4 FM in and around Jammu City. It involves community participation and among other things, will promote Kashmiri and Hindustani language and preserve cultural values.

Others who spoke included ASKPC chief Amarnath Vaishnavi. The stage was conducted by Manoj Jad secretary Peer Panchal while Vijay Koul and others.