A member of the Legislative Assembly from Darjeeling, Prof. Amar Singh Rai, was the chief guest.
“It is our Diwali gift to Nepali people worldwide,” said Principal Dr George Thadathil speaking of the possibility on-demand radio provides for people everywhere to access programmes of their choice at their own convenience.
“Our Community Radio will serve geographic and ethnic communities of the region with broadcast content that is popular, relevant and often overlooked by commercial or mass-media broadcasters,” Dr Thadathil added.
After congratulating the Principal for having the vision to bring the first community radio to the hills, MLA and former Darjeeling Municipal Chairman Prof. Rai encouraged RJs and students “to raise local issues not only to create awareness but also to educate and enlighten.”
“There is a lot to be done,” Prof. Rai said listing some of the urgent needs, “people are not aware and conscious enough about drinking water, solid and liquid waste management, harmful effects of plastic usage, and the issues affecting the tea industry.”
Commenting on the launch of the web radio Prof. Rai said, “It is a small step for Salesian College but a giant step for the [hills] community.”
Radio Salesian 90.8 FM is a nonprofit venture, which provides a mechanism enabling individuals, groups, and communities to tell their own stories, to share experiences and, in a media-rich world, to become creators and contributors of media.
The web radio may be accessed on computer or mobile phone by clicking on Community Radio at www.salesiancollege.in
A team of six RJs host some 20 shows a week, seven days a week and daily 12 hours under RJ Samir of Radio Misty fame along with other RJs Soroj, Savitri, Rohit, Sumina and Bryan. Programme duration differs from one, two and three hours and are scheduled as daily, bi-weekly and weekly shows.
The vast array of programmes include Prabhat Vandana (Morning Devotion), Naulo Bihani (New Dawn), Samishran (Fusion); Shasakta Naari (Empowered Woman); Samarpan (Song Dedication); Srijana Ka Lahar Haru (Literature Review); Krishi Utthan (Agriculture Show); Shrastha Ra Srijana (Legendary Artistes); Hamro Bhaka Hamro Sanskriti (Folk Music); Sangeethanajali (Songs); Farkera Herda (Memory Lane); Bal Manjari (Kids Show); Charcha Paricharcha (Social Issues); Yuwa Awaaj (Youth Voice); Kathai Kathaa (Story Time); Prathibha Manj (Talent Show); Jan Gunaso (Grievances) Unplugged featuring local bands and Stories Behind Music– the only English language show.
The regular broadcast transmission of Radio Salesian 90.8 FM channel is scheduled for 8h December 2016. It can be heard in parts of Darjeeling, Siliguri, as well as Kurseong, Mirik, Sonada, Pashupati (Nepal), Sukiapukuri, Balsun Valley and several other places.
