Akashvani Vijayawada to Celebrate 90 Years With Outreach Programmes

Vijayawada: Akashvani Vijayawada will organise a series of cultural and public outreach programmes as part of the nationwide celebrations marking 90 years of All India Radio (AIR), officials announced on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference at the Akashvani station, Regional Channel Manager B. Someswara Rao, Programme Head G. Divya and News Head T. Henry Raj said the celebrations are being held following directions from Akashvani Director General Rajeev Kumar Jain.

Someswara Rao said Akashvani Vijayawada has served society for nine decades as a trusted platform for farmers, youth, artists and the general public. He noted that legendary personalities such as M. Balamuralikrishna, K. Viswanath, Gollapudi Maruti Rao and Kongara Jaggayya had been associated with the station.

He said AIR continues to broadcast programmes on agriculture, literature, music and culture while adapting itself to digital platforms.

Someswara Rao stated that Akashvani operates nearly 585 stations across the country, reaching 92.5 per cent of the population and covering 99.17 per cent of India’s geographical area. He added that AIR news bulletins continue to enjoy high credibility for factual reporting.

Programme Head G. Divya said a musical programme titled “Swara Sandhya” will be organised at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on May 10 at 6 pm. The event will feature a vocal concert by the Sarvepalli Sisters and Garaga dance performances. Winners of student competitions will also be felicitated.

She said a walkathon will also be organised in Vijayawada on May 19 at 6.30 am as part of the celebrations.

News Head T. Henry Raj said Akashvani has retained its credibility despite the rise of social media and television channels. He said AIR news and programmes are now accessible globally through the NewsOnAir website and mobile applications.

The officials also unveiled the “Swara Sandhya” poster during the press conference.