Mumbai, May 05th, 2025: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), successfully hosted the 8th National Community Radio Sammelan today at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Held under the Ministry’s flagship initiative WAVES 2025, the Sammelan brought together community radio practitioners, government officials, academicians, and media experts from across the country.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L Murugan inspired the gathering with a powerful message. He said, “Community Radio is not just media, it is governance in action, it is empowerment in practice.”
He emphasized that the Sammelan is more than a conference-it is “a celebration of people’s voices-real voices, raw voices, voices that rise from the grassroots, often from places where mainstream media rarely reaches.” Dr. Murugan commended the community radio sector for its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), calling it a “lifeline” for marginalized communities and “a true spirit of democracy in action.”
Highlighting India’s position as a global leader in digital communication, Dr. Murugan underscored the unique role of community radio in bridging the information divide. With over 531 community radio stations currently operational across India, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering this vital communication platform by simplifying procedures, enhancing capacity building, and enabling policies that help local voices thrive.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the 10th National Community Radio Awards, recognizing 12 exemplary stations for their contribution to community engagement and social impact.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr L. Murugan congratulated the winners and said that the national conference is aimed to strengthen the community media landscape in India through innovation, inclusiveness, and impact. The Union Minister of State said that Community Radio is a tool to reach out to citizens in all corners of the country. The Community Radios around the country are serving some or the other welfare purpose and supporting good causes, including promotion of Indian tradition and culture, he added. The community radio stations are also taking PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and important development initiatives of the central government to all parts of the country. These stations are adding a new dimension of welfare activities for various communities and groups, like women and tribal community among others.
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Prithul Kumar Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) and MD, NFDC, and IIMC Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar were present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.
In the vote of thanks, Shri Pritul Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, lauded the transformative impact of community radio. He said, “With over 531 operational stations, community radio has become a lifeline for grassroots communication… connecting people in their own dialects, addressing local concerns, and driving meaningful change.”
He acknowledged the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, with gratitude and to Dr. L Murugan for his continued encouragement of the sector. Shri Kumar congratulated the award winners and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support, citing financial assistance provided to 176 stations, with 50 more proposals under review. He also announced upcoming Regional Sammelans in East, South, and North India, along with plans to streamline licensing and support sustainability through solar power grants.
The conference brought together representatives from more than 400 Community Radio (CR) Stations across the country on one platform to provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. At present, there are 531 CR Stations across the country. The conference emphasized the seminal role of Community Radio in public communication and awareness generation and also their potential in social development.
Winners of 10th National Community Radio Awards
Category: Thematic Award
- First prize: Radio Mayur, District Saran, Bihar for programme: Tech Sakhi
- Second Prize: Radio Kochi, Kerala for programme: Nirangal
- Third Prize: Hello Doon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand for programme: Meri Baat
Category: Most Innovative Community Engagement Award
- First prize: Yerlawani Sangli, Maharashtra for programme: Kahani sunandachi
- Second Prize: Vaylaga Vanoli, Madurai, Tamil Nadu for programme: Let’s Build a new Norm
- Third Prize: Salaam Namaste Noida, Uttar Pradesh for programme: Maid Didi
Category: Promoting Local Culture Award
- First prize: Radio Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh, Assam for programme: Igarekun
- Second Prize: Radio Kotagiri, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu for programme: En Makkaludan Oru Payanam
- Third Prize: Radio Active, Bhagalpur Bihar for programme: Ang Pradesh ki Adbut Dharohar
Category: Sustainability Model Award
- First prize: Radio Benziger run by Bishop Benziger Hospital Society, Kollam, Kerala
- Second Prize: Radio Namskar, Konark, Odisha run by Young India
- Third Prize: Radio Antarwani, Gulbarga, Karnataka run by Sharanbasbeswara Vidya Vardhak Sangh