13 February : World Radio Day

"Yeh Akashvani Hai.." This echo still resonates in the hearts of crores of Indians. And I am sure you must have read these words with a tune. This sound reminds us of the time when radio was a companion in every home. It was the hallmark of an era when a wooden box (radio) kept in the corner of the house was the only source of news and entertainment. That era was different when radio was not just a machine, but as if it were an elder member of the family. Be it the sweet Prabhatia with waking up in the morning, regional news playing with a sip of tea, programs for housewives in the afternoon or the evergreen songs of Geetmala playing at night, this was an unbreakable heartbeat of our daily lives. From news to songs and from culture to messages. Radio was not just a device, it had a different feeling with it. Which used to bind people from cities to villages in one tune. At that time, the sounds of radio became a part of the lives of millions of listeners every morning and evening.

Today, when it is the era of technology. Even in the era of sophisticated digital devices like smartphones, internet and smart TVs, the popularity and value of radio has not been completed. Radio has retained its unique identity. It educates. It inspires and connects the unknown world. February 13 is World Radio Day. Amidst today's high-definition videos, OTT platforms and the noise of 24-hour social media, perhaps the crackling sound of that old transistor and the effort to turn the antenna to get a signal have been lost somewhere.

The journey of radio started from a large wooden box and has reached the dashboard of our smartphones and cars today. It has proven that even though the medium changes, the power of sound never diminishes. Radio has adapted itself even in the digital age. As long as people like to listen to stories, music and information. Till then, radio will remain alive with a new face.

From the freedom movement to the "Mann Ki Baat" of modern India, radio has not only witnessed India's progress. But it has also actively contributed to it. Although radio was invented by Guglielmo Marconi. But the contribution of Nikola Tesla and many other scientists has also been very important. It has taken decades to bring radio to every home and make it a popular medium in India. Which started with radio broadcasting in 1927. Its journey has been very interesting. In 1927, the foundation of the first broadcasting service in India was laid by the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC). Which later took over in 1936 and became a medium for delivering the voice of knowledge and entertainment to every corner of the country. There are many places where the Internet has not reached, radio is still the most reliable source of information in remote areas.

Radio brought the voices of freedom fighters to the people during the freedom struggle. Later it became a major medium for spreading information about Khadi, cleanliness, agricultural information and health in every village. Radio has also made an invaluable contribution in the promotion of science, culture, music and literature. The program 'Bhule Bisre Geet' broadcast on Vidhya Bharati is still a favorite of the people and is listened to the most. Radio is a cheap, accessible and environment-friendly medium.

In the old days, the radio used to be in the main room of the house. Where the whole family would listen to news, bhajans or dramas together. The times of the programs were fixed, like a drama or bhajan would start at 8 pm and if it was missed, there was no way to listen again. That is why everyone used to organize their work according to the radio schedule. At that time, there were very few stations. To change the channel, one had to turn buttons and adjust the antenna. And noise in the sound was common. And today, radio has reached our ears through earphones. Everyone can listen to their favorite content. 

There are now more stations available than ever before and one can listen while traveling or working alone. In addition, internet radio, podcasts and stations from home and abroad can be listened to with just a click. Now live radio and recorded shows continue on mobile apps, car radios, smart speakers. Which means that time constraints are over. Now radio is played at our convenience. Today's radio provides an interactive experience. That is, listeners no longer just listen to the program. But they also actively engage through requests for songs and direct conversations with the RJ, calls, messages and social media.

But do you know how radio works? To explain in simple language, first a person speaks or music is played. Then the microphone converts this sound into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is combined with a high frequency radio wave. This process is called modulation. These modulated radio waves are sent into the air by a transmitter and an antenna. These waves travel over long distances. Radio waves travel in the air itself. Therefore, they do not need internet or cables. Only a small antenna is needed. Radio waves are also electromagnetic waves. And they travel at a speed of 300,000 km/sec. 

Then your radio receives these waves through the antenna. It selects the required frequency in it and removes the remaining unnecessary noise. Then the radio wave is converted into a sound signal and the sound comes out through the speaker. Even today, radio is indispensable for the communication of the Air Force, Navy and Army. Because it is considered the most reliable medium at the defense level.

Earlier, radio used to bring people together at one place. Today, radio is everywhere. In the end, I will only say that no matter how much time has changed and how much technology has advanced. But nothing can replace radio. In today's fast-paced life, when your eyes get tired of looking at the screen, just turn the radio button and see if it will relieve the fatigue of the day and give you relaxation and joy.

-- Bhautik Thummar