‘No sensationalism, only facts on AIR’

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said All India Radio (Akashvani) has served over decades as a powerful medium for social unity and respect for India's cultural and spiritual values, while also acting as a trusted source of authentic information.Addressing the event to mark 89th foundation day of AIR, Lucknow, at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Yogi described the broadcaster's journey as "remarkable and inspiring." Recalling his childhood, Yogi said in an era without smartphones, television, or widespread telephone access, All India Radio was the primary source of information and entertainment. "The first sound we heard was of Akashvani. Its morning broadcasts and news bulletins were a part of everyday life," he said.He highlighted high standards the broadcaster has maintained of purity of language, factual accuracy and credibility. "There is no scope for sensationalism and it always presents facts as they are," he added.Yogi noted that AIR played a key role in connecting people across regions through various dialects and languages, including Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Garhwali and Kumaoni. "It was not just a medium of entertainment but also a platform for knowledge dissemination, cultural preservation and promotion of local art forms," he said.He further pointed out that AIR's reach extended to even the most remote villages at a time no other communication medium could reach there. The CM said AIR has witnessed several defining moments in India's history, including freedom movement, Quit India Movement, Partition, adoption of the Constitution, and Emergency.He also recalled that national song ‘Vande Mataram' has been broadcast daily from Lucknow station since 1938, reflecting the institution's cultural and national significance.Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat', he said it continues the legacy of AIR by inspiring citizens and highlighting contributions of individuals from across the country. "It reflects the spirit of ‘Nation First' and motivates people to contribute towards a developed India," he said.Yogi stressed need for adapting to changing times and urged officials to rethink programming strategies to make AIR more engaging and relevant for the present generation, farmers, artists and artisans. He expressed confidence that with a renewed vision, All India Radio would continue to evolve while preserving its core values. Yogi said students were often advised in schools to listen to AIR to improve language skills due to its precise diction and refined presentation. He also paid tribute to Govind Ballabh Pant, who inaugurated the Lucknow station on Apr 2, 1938, when he was Premier of the United Provinces.