First Community Radio Service of Northeast Launched

Guwahati, Nov 22 : 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.