Hanle (Ladakh), February 28 A cheerful "Julley" (traditional Ladakhi greeting) rings through the airwaves in the chilly mornings across the six villages of Hanle, nestled amidst towering mountains near the India-China border, as community radio station (CRS) Anlay brings news and entertainment to the remote region lacking other forms of mass media.
From weather updates to programs on local culture to the latest Bollywood buzz, CRS, operating out of a three-room house, is the link for locals to all information on government schemes to new music releases in local as well as Hindi and English languages.
Opened in November 2024 under the Indian Army's 'Operation Sadbhavana', CRS Anlay 89.6 MHz, with the tagline 'Where Stars Meet', is run by a staff of four – a station manager, a sound engineer, and two presenters.
"The four of us locals have been working here since CRS opened. This station plays an important role in bridging the gap with the outside world, as All India Radio transmission is not very good here," said station manager Kunzang Disket.
She said the programs cover a diverse range, from details about government schemes to weather updates and agricultural information.
"We are also focused on Ladakhi culture and its preservation. We have a very rich heritage. Specialities of Hanle, such as stargazing and its monastery, are also highlighted. Important events in the area as well as nearby parts are also covered," Kunzang added.
CRS Anlay's programs, covering a radius of about 10 km and the six villages that constitute Hanle, are mostly in Ladakhi and Hindi languages, with some also in English, she said.
Tsering Lamo, who works as a radio presenter in the station, said, "Mostly, the elderly and the youth listen to our broadcasts. So, most programs are in Ladakhi and Hindi, while English programs are fewer, and cater to tourists."
Tsering said broadcasting begins at 9 am and continues until 6 pm, with the two presenters sharing shifts and others also contributing.
The first broadcast from 9 am to 11 am is on motivational talks, weather updates, and other important regular information.
The slot from 11 am to 1 pm is for "Anlay ki Awaz", focusing on students and education-related issues.
From 1 pm to 3 pm, the spotlight is on Ladakhi culture, and the day is wrapped up with "Evening Bindass" from 3 pm to 6 pm, which talks about Bollywood and Ladakhi music.
"Everyone connects with Bollywood, so the last segment is a popular one," Tsering added.
Kunzang said that events happening in nearby areas are also covered by CRS, and locals are invited for special talks or performances from time to time.
Tsering said that CRS is also active on the digital front, having dedicated social media handles as well as a special mobile phone application.
"The phone app, available for both Android and Apple phones, provides our curated programs. It also has a feedback section, in which people can write their feedback or even record it in their voice," the presenter added.
