Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended a special programme organised in Raipur on the occasion of World Radio Day. The event was jointly hosted by Akashvani Raipur and UNESCO.
During the programme, the Chief Minister launched a pen drive containing a new musical rendition of the national song Vande Mataram.
‘Radio and AI’ Is a Timely and Relevant Theme
Extending greetings on World Radio Day, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that this year’s theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence,” is highly relevant in today’s era of information revolution.
He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, and serious deliberations are needed on how AI can make radio more people-centric and useful. According to him, timely and accurate information plays a crucial role in citizens’ development, and radio has consistently fulfilled this responsibility.
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Akashvani Remains the Most Trusted News Broadcaster
The Chief Minister described Akashvani as the country’s most trusted news broadcaster. Despite intense competition among private channels to deliver news quickly, Akashvani has maintained its legacy of providing credible, balanced and public-oriented information.
Recalling his personal memories associated with radio, Mr Sai said that when remote villages lacked access to other media, radio served as the only medium connecting people to national and global developments. He highlighted its special importance for farmers and rural communities.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose radio for the popular programme Mann Ki Baat, reflecting its unmatched reach and influence.
Six Akashvani Stations Operating in Chhattisgarh
CM Sai informed that six Akashvani stations are currently operational in Chhattisgarh, and the Vividh Bharati service is broadcast from Raipur. He added that broadcasts in Chhattisgarhi, Gondi and Halbi languages have strengthened local engagement and increased listener interest, especially in tribal regions.
AI Can Revolutionise Communication and Public Service
The Chief Minister said the combination of radio’s credibility and AI’s speed could bring a new revolution in communication. With AI support, content can be made more effective, accurate and faster.
He noted that emergency alerts, weather forecasts, agricultural advisories and health-related information can be disseminated more efficiently using AI-powered tools.
Highlighting the state’s digital vision, he said Chhattisgarh is moving rapidly towards a digital future. India’s first AI Data Center Park is being established in Nava Raipur, which will open new opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture and technological security. The new industrial policy is also encouraging innovation and digital inclusion to ensure that government schemes reach the last mile.
UNESCO Emphasises Radio’s Global Trust and Reach
Speaking on the occasion, UNESCO Regional Adviser for Communication and Information, Hazzaz Ma’ali, extended greetings on World Radio Day and reiterated that radio remains the most trusted and widely accessible medium globally.
She stated that even during challenging times, radio has consistently delivered accurate information. She emphasised that AI can further enhance radio’s effectiveness and called for concrete efforts in this direction. UNESCO, she added, will continue collaborating with Akashvani to promote innovation and technological advancements in broadcasting.
Dignitaries Present
The event was also attended by Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi Chairman Shashank Sharma, Akashvani Director General Rajiv Kumar Jain, Deputy Director General V. Rajeshwar, public representatives and senior officials.
A Vision for Developed Chhattisgarh
Concluding his address, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that the synergy between radio’s credibility and AI’s speed will significantly strengthen public service delivery. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh contributing to a developed India will be realised.
