The 8th National Community Radio Conference was organized by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) on the sidelines of the World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai today. The event celebrated the remarkable contributions of community radio stations across India, with Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, presenting the 10th National Community Radio Awards to 12 outstanding community radio stations.
Dr. L. Murugan’s Address
In his address, Dr. L. Murugan congratulated the awardees and emphasized that the national conference aims to strengthen India’s community media landscape through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact. He highlighted the pivotal role of community radio as a tool to connect with citizens across the country, stating, “Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country.” He further noted that these stations are instrumental in promoting Indian tradition and culture, supporting welfare initiatives, and amplifying the vision and development programs of PM Shri Narendra Modi. Community radio stations are also making significant contributions to marginalized groups, including women and tribal communities, by adding a new dimension to welfare activities.
WAVES 2025 and the Creative Economy
Speaking about the inaugural edition of WAVES 2025, Dr. Murugan expressed optimism that the summit would foster new ideas and innovation. He described the creative economy as a sunrise sector poised to play a significant role in India’s future development.
National Community Radio Awards
The 10th National Community Radio Awards recognized 12 community radio stations for their exemplary work under four distinct themes. Below is the list of award winners:
| S.N. | Category | First Award | Second Award | Third Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thematic Awards | Name of CRS: Radio Mayur Name of Organisation: Mayur Kala Kendra, Bihar Name of the Program: Tech Sakhi | Name of CRS: Radio Kochi Name of Organisation: St. Teresa's College, Kerala Name of the Program: Nirangal | Name of CRS: Hello Doon Name of Organisation: Institute for the persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan), (NIEPV D), Uttarakhand Name of the Program: Meri Baat |
| 2 | Most Innovative Community Engagement Awards | Name of CRS: Radio Yerla Vani, Maharashtra Name of Organisation: Yerla Projects Society Name of the Program: Kahani Sunandachi | Name of CRS: Radio Vayaga Vayaga, Tamil Nadu Name of Organisation: Madurai District Tank Farmers Federation Name of the Program: Let's Build a New Norm | Name of CRS: Salaam Namaste Name of Organisation: Institute of Management Studies, Noida, Uttar Pradesh Name of the Program: Maid Deedi |
| 3 | Promoting Local Culture Awards | Name of CRS: Radio Brahmputra, Assam Name of Organisation: Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES) Name of the Program: Igarekun | Name of CRS: Radio Kanchenjunga, Tamil Nadu Name of Organisation: Keystone Foundation Name of the Program: En Makkaludan Oru Payanam | Name of CRS: Radio Active Name of Organisation: Lokhit Bhagapur, Bihar Name of the Program: Manjusa Kala - Ang Pradesh Ki Adbhut Dharohar |
| 4 | Sustainability Model Awards | Name of CRS: Radio Benziger, Kerala Name of Organisation: Bishop Benziger Hospital Society Name of the Program: - | Name of CRS: Radio Namaskar, Odisha Name of Organisation: Young India Name of the Program: - | Name of CRS: Radio Antarvani, Karnataka Name of Organisation: Sharanabeswara Vidya Vardhak Sangh Name of the Program: - |
Distinguished Attendees
The conference was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) and MD, NFDC; and Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar, Vice Chancellor of IIMC.
A Platform for Collaboration
The conference brought together representatives from over 400 Community Radio Stations across India, fostering dialogue and collaboration. With 531 Community Radio Stations currently operational in the country, the event underscored their critical role in public communication, awareness generation, and social development.
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