Lucknow, April 2 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday praised the role of All India Radio in connecting society, preserving linguistic diversity, and strengthening national consciousness.
Addressing the 89th foundation day celebrations of the radio broadcaster's Lucknow center, the chief minister reminisced about his childhood, saying that in an era without smartphones, television, and widespread telephone connectivity, radio was the primary source of information and inspiration.
"The first voice we heard was that of All India Radio, also known as Akashvani. Its morning signature tune and programs connected every household and reflected both linguistic purity and credibility in news dissemination," he said.
He noted that Akashvani played a key role in promoting regional dialects such as Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Garhwali, and Kumaoni, providing a platform for local languages, folk arts, and cultural traditions.
"It was not merely a source of entertainment but also of knowledge, cultural pride, and social awareness," he said.
Highlighting its legacy, Adityanath said the Lucknow station was inaugurated on April 2, 1938, by then United Provinces premier Govind Ballabh Pant, even before Independence.
He said the broadcaster contributed to the freedom movement by promoting patriotic sentiment, including airing "Vande Mataram."
He said Akashvani chronicled key phases of India's history, including the Quit India Movement, the trauma of Partition, the adoption of the Constitution, the formation of elected governments, and the Emergency.
He also covered the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and remains relevant in contemporary times.
Drawing parallels with "Mann Ki Baat," launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, Adityanath said the program has revived the culture of meaningful public communication by highlighting grassroots achievements and inspiring citizens.
He said in earlier times, people from remote villages would travel long distances to perform at Akashvani centers, gaining national recognition.
"Where even roads did not exist, radio had already reached," he said.
Adityanath also stressed the need to adapt the platform to changing times and make it more engaging and popular among the youth.
He expressed confidence that Akashvani would continue to serve as a vibrant platform for artists, writers, farmers, youth, and other sections of society, carrying forward its legacy of public trust and cultural integration.