GUWAHATI: In a notable convergence of scholarly minds and cultural celebration, an international web symposium commemorating the centenary of radio broadcasting in South Asia was organised in Guwahati.
Themed, “Democratisation of Airwaves”, the symposium unfolded across four plenary sessions, featuring insights from 30 speakers representing the Northeast.
Organised by the Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial Trust, over 450 participants engaged in the virtual dialogue, hailing from approximately 10 countries.
The inauguration was officiated by Dr D K Renuka Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo.
Ekanayake, a seasoned officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, highlighted the profound impact of radio over the past century, highlighting its role in disseminating, preserving, and popularising cultures across South Asia.
The inaugural session set the tone by delving into the historical roots of radio in South Asia.
Prof. K V Nagaraj chaired the plenary, with Prof. Aparna Sharma moderating.
The exploration journeyed back to June 1923 when the Radio Club of Bombay orchestrated the inaugural broadcast, marking a significant milestone not only for India but the entire South Asian region.
Subsequent discussions revisited the founding of the Calcutta Radio Club and the establishment of the Indian Broadcasting Company in 1927.
The symposium’s subsequent plenary sessions traversed diverse themes, exploring the social history of the “Golden Age” of radio, scrutinising its evolution in the digital and new media landscape.
Eminent speakers, including Prof. Ashok Ogra, Prof. K G Suresh, Prof. Manoj K. Patairiya, Dr R Sreedher, Prof. Ujjwal Chowdhury, among many others.
This intellectually stimulating event seamlessly blended academia, cultural reflections, and technological advancements, encapsulating the the profound impact of radio in the region.
The symposium is a platform offered by the Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial Trust to foster dialogue and exploration in the realms of media education and patients’ rights since its establishment in 2015.
