[cr-india] CR in Dang district, Gujarat

[sajan venniyoor]

What the story doesn't say, as usual, is that there is no community 'radio station' in Dang. The programmes are very probably  broadcast from All India Radio.

Sajan

Radio Ga Ga
DARSHANA CHATURVEDI
4 May, 2007

A community radio in Dang district is bringing about a silent revolution in the region. AT tunes in. 

About 400 kms from Ahmedabad, as you enter the bylanes of Dang district you would be welcomed by uneven roads and a rich forest cover. The district also has the largest tribal population of Gujarat. 

Quite a contrast! The district which is located on the borders of Gujarat and Maharashtra still faces lots of problems. Electricity supply is irregular; commuting from one village to another is a difficult task. 

But amidst all hardships, there's something to cheer about. A ray of hope came in the form of a community radio. In 1998, Drishti in partnership with Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS), a women's organisation based in Bhuj, initiated one of the first Community Radio programmes in India. The radio station has now successfully completed nine months. It's bringing about a silent revolution in the district. Mehul Makwana, programme director of the initiative says, "Some 1500 people were surveyed in order to ascertain the problems faced by them and the kind of programme that would interest them. Based on the same we trained local people so that in future they can run the station independently." 

Today things are different. The reporters not only report but they are also working as programme producers and radio artistes. Nimesh Khakharia, co-ordinatior says, "Our aim to start this venture was to bring about awareness among the tribal populace pertaining to tribal laws. Each programme that goes on-air talks about specific problems and ways in which it can be dealt with. We try to educate them about various laws and rights so that they can make use of it while facing a corrupt official." 

Local reporter Santu Gayakwad says, "I underwent training on para-legal laws, reporting skills and radio programming. I know the problems very well and my task is more of gathering information, enlisting support from villagers and unearthing crime and illegal practice." 

Another reporter Savita Rathod who has worked as a teacher earlier feels happy that women are getting a chance to work and display their talent. She adds, "Being a woman reporter was a tough task initially but now things are better, not just for me but for other women as well. With greater awareness women go and fight it out with officials. Now lot of girls attend school and few of them also work outside their homes." 

A villager testifying the change avers, "I really like the programmes for they are in Dangi dialect and we can connect. Most importantly today there is a greater awareness among us regarding our rights as citizens."  

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/City_Supplements/Ahmedabad_Times/Radio_Ga_Ga/articleshow/1999374.cms

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