First community radio service of NE launched - A victory for media democratisation!

The Assam Tribune, 22 Nov 2010
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=nov2210/city05

GUWAHATI, Nov 21 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday launched the
first community radio service of the North East ‘Jnan Taranga’ under the
aegis of Krishnakanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) at a function
held at NEDFI House here, said a press release.
Lauding the initiative of KKHSOU for starting the first radio community
service in the region, Gogoi said that it would go a long way in educating
the students of the State and the region in different disciplines.

The Chief Minister said though there has been a spurt in the growth of TV
channels and Internet, radio still continues to remain a powerful medium of
communication. He said his Government would provide necessary assistance to
set up more radio stations across the State.

He suggested to the authorities of KKHSOU to start airing stories on the
successful entrepreneurs of the State and the region to motivate and inspire
the upcoming generation.

Underscoring the need for imparting education in tune with the times, Gogoi
asked the authorities of KKHSOU to introduce new subjects to attract more
and more students. “Knowledge is power and our biggest asset. A
knowledge-based society can contribute more than anything else towards the
rapid progress and development of a society,” he said adding that his
Government has given added thrust to education in the last nine years.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor of KKHSOU, Prof Shrinath Baruah
said that with the launch of the first community radio service, the
university is now looking forward to starting such service in Lakhimpur
Girls’ College and Garhgaon College. The Ministry of I&B has accorded
necessary approval to start such service in the two colleges.

Baruah further said the university plans to set up 30 study centres in
educational institutions and would air programmes from the headquarters
through BSNL line on lease. “A web portal is also on the anvil in 2011. It
will enable students to download learning materials both print and visual,”
he added.

Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, Okhil Kr. Medhi, Director, Distance
Education, RR Rosiah and former deputy director, Prachar Bharati, RN
Chakraborty also spoke on the occasion.

‘Jnan Taranga’ which was aired on an experimental basis on January 28, 2009
on 90.4 FM, will be available on the same frequency daily from 5 pm to 7 pm,
morning 6 to 8 and in the afternoon from 12 to 2.